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Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 12, according to the Tribune’s archives.

Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

  • High temperature: 92 degrees (1956)
  • Low temperature: 31 degrees (1981)
  • Precipitation: 2.67 inches (1935)
  • Snowfall: None

1930: The Adler Planetarium, the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, opened on the lakefront. It was followed 18 days later by the John G. Shedd Aquarium.

Sam "Toothpick" Jones pitched for the Cubs in 1955 and 1956. In 1955, he led the National League in strikeouts and became the first Black pitcher to toss a no-hitter in the majors. (baiduhai archive)
Sam "Toothpick" Jones pitched for the Cubs in 1955 and 1956. In 1955, he led the National League in strikeouts and became the first Black pitcher to toss a no-hitter in the majors. (baiduhai archive)

1955: Sam “Toothpick” Jones, so nicknamed because he chewed on a ‘pick as he pitched, became the first Black pitcher to throw a big-league no-hitter, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates in a drama-packed ninth inning at Wrigley Field.

Jones, also called “Sad Sam,” walked the first three Pirates he faced in the ninth. Then he struck out the side. The three victims were Dick Groat, Roberto Clemente and Frank Thomas. He was later given a golden toothpick by TV announcer Harry Creighton.

Fans greet Ernie Banks after he hit the 500th home run of his career on May 12, 1970, against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field. (Phil Mascione/baiduhai)
Fans greet Ernie Banks after he hit the 500th home run of his career on May 12, 1970, against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field. (Phil Mascione/baiduhai)

1970: “Mr. Cub” Ernie Banks hit his 500th major league home run, a solo shot off Atlanta’s Pat Jarvis at Wrigley Field. At the time, he was just the ninth player to reach the 500 mark. The milestone home run also increased his career RBI total to 1,600.

Mike Polisky resigns: The timeline of events that led to the Northwestern AD’s departure after less than 2 weeks

2021: Northwestern Athletic Director Mike Polisky stepped down amid criticism of his May 3 hiring. Nearly 400 Northwestern students, faculty and community members marched from campus to university President Morton Schapiro’s home to protest the hiring of Polisky. Polisky, who was NU’s deputy athletic director, was one of four named defendants in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a Northwestern cheerleader. The cheerleader dropped the lawsuit last year.

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