On April 29th 1997, we lost a great Chicagoan and friend in Mike Royko. Some thought it would mark the end of an era. However, his legacy of hard work and integrity inspired a whole new generation of writers and reporters. They still come to the Billy Goat everyday to understand what it means to be a real Chicago journalist.
“I miss Mike very much,” Sam says in May 2000. “I see Mike three, four times. Matter of fact, I see him three days ago. Mike come by here. It was when he was dead. I ask him if he remembers when I said, ‘Mike, if anything ever happen to me, I want you to keep the Billy Goat name alive.’ And he nods his head and I tell him, ‘Now that you are gone I am going to keep your name alive. I’m going to make sure your name will live forever.’”
