Paul Sullivan, veteran sports reporter for the Chicago Tribune, has become the latest writer to have his byline added to Billy Goat Tavern’s wall.
Thank you @Cheezborger for the honor of being on the wall next to my old boss, Royko. Appropriately, a little left of my old friend @John_Kass pic.twitter.com/RsG1thHsPT— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) April 19, 2019
The last time Michigan Avenue underwent a remodel was the year 1967. Wood paneling was put up in the addition that was purchased and was once a former parking ramp. Sun-Times columnist Tom Fitzpatrick said it looked like “a suburban recreation room”.
This room holds the now famous Wall of Fame. A wall of 37 men and one woman of top ranking newspaper editors, reporters, and columnists; a couple television personalities and one newspaper publisher; one mayor and a man who was the chauffeur for a Tribune editor. There’s probably not a person alive that can name all the faces on that wall, but they grace Billy Goat Tavern today. Their memory carried on and a story for each.
Mike Royko was a fiercely devoted 16-inch softball player and team sponsor. He describes playing for the team his father’s tavern sponsored as one of his “great thrills in life”. After his death, Royko was inducted into the Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame.
“And I tell ya. The Pulitzer Prize doesn’t even compare.” – Mike Royko describing his home run in a memorable softball game.
It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 16 years. On April 29th 1997, the world lost a great writer and we at Billy Goat Tavern lost a great friend in Mike Royko.
Royko helped make Billy Goat into a legendary reporter hangout. Today, journalism students from across the country make the trip under Michigan Avenue to enjoy a cheezborger surrounded by Royko’s articles. It’s an amazing experience.
One of Mike Royko’s favorite things was playing 16″ softball. We sponsored his team. Check out the video above to catch a glimpse of the “real” Royko enjoying some time at The Goat.
Mike Royko and Sam Sianis
https://www.billygoattavern.com/legend/wall-of-fame/
The Wall of Fame
Check out this amazing set of photos of The Goat from the Chicago Tribune:
