LAST COMISKEY (Part Two) - Story of the 1990 White Sox and the Final Season at Comiskey Park

Second of a three-part baseball series telling the story of the 1990 White Sox and the final season played at Comiskey Park, featuring interviews with players, media, vendors, security, and more, and features home video of the old ballpark and its many nooks, crannies and characters.
SCHEDULE:
Part 1: Thursday, March 2, 8PM CT
Part 2: Thursday, March 9, 8PM CT
Part 3: Thursday, March 16, 8PM CT
NOTE REGARDING ADS: We are not monetizing this video since it is a not-for-profit endeavor. That said, KZbin places ads on videos and (to our knowledge) there is no way to disable them.
Featuring:
Organist:
Nancy Faust
Players:
Ozzie Guillen
Jack McDowell
Ron Kittle
Donn Pall
Dave Gallagher
Vance Law
Phil Bradley
Bobby Thigpen
Lance Johnson
Scott Radinsky
Wayne Edwards
Greg Hibbard
Executive:
Dan Evans
Scoreboard Crew:
David Marran
Media:
Tom Shaer
Kenny McReynolds
Chuck Garfien
Rich King
Cheryl Raye Stout
Mark Curnutte
Nick Murawski
Vendors:
Lloyd Rutzky
Mark Reiner
David Rugendorf
Security/Ushers:
John Brudnak
Matt Biscan
Historians:
Mark Liptak
Frank Budreck
Architect:
Brian Powers (Bandbox Ballparks)
Lifelong Sox Fans:
Robert Gordon
Stephanie Walters
Peter Wilt
Greg Novak
Doug Peterson

[@robertshonk518]

This brings back great childhood memories of night games at old Comiskey. I grew up Evanston, so I should be a Cubs fan. But this was back in the late 70s and early 80s, when Wrigley had no lights. So my Dad would come home from his job and we would drive or take the train past empty Wrigley to the electric glow of the south side park. I live in Chicago now, near Wrigley, which has lights now. But it's too late. Your childhood team is your team forever.

[@horheygrey]

This is 30 for 30 quality and absolute joy to watch for a die hard Sox Fan that was 12 in 1990. Going to a Sox Game is still a birthday party, 4th of July and Christmas Morning all rolled into one to this day.

[@subg8858]

My dad got a ticket package for 1990 with seats in the section next to Nancy Faust. Every game I’d say hello to her. Probably the rowdiest section in the stadium, it was great. People tried to start the wave and we’d stop it cold. “Go to Wrigley!!” I’ll never forget the vendor who always came to the section and gave out old baseball cards as a prize for his trivia questions. Glad you covered them here, they really were a big part of the entire experience. A bunch of characters

[@epaddon]

While I'm a Yankee fan, I was going to Wheaton College in the Chicago suburbs from 87-91 and with my team bottoming out in that era, the White Sox run in 1990 gave me something to pull for as a baseball fan. I actually went to the game on August 25 where Thigpen blew a 2-0 lead to the Angels in the 9th inning with two out (three run homer by Lee Stevens) that basically left the crowd shell-shocked and sent them into a five game losing streak that kind of made it clear they weren't going to catch the A's. I can remember how much I enjoyed the food at Old Comiskey and how fun it seemed and was glad I got to experience the ballpark that final year (my second visit overall). I never saw a game at new Comiskey which I remember looming above the old ballpark that year looking like a giant whale about to swallow a little fish.

[@Harp4803]

And, you’re a secret Sox Fan. As, in the old South Side Comiskey variety

[@kylelawson5151]

I am a die hard Cubs fan, but this is just delightful. I had the pleasure of going to a game during the 1990 season. So glad I got the chance to experience Comiskey.

[@rpalomino33]

Lifelong Sox fan, grew up in Bridgeport. Now I take my daughters to games, they absolutely love going. Rich King and I have the same memory of watching games on black and white TV(pt.1), then experiencing that first live game in COLOR ! This documentary has brought me back to my childhood ,can't help getting choked up. 3 parts are not enough . Simply incredible!!!

[@raggraves]

I’m an Oakland A’s fan and absolutely loved part one of this video the other night, so insightful and positive, bravo! Thank you for this one as well !

[@paulrosen8905]

Been an Avid A's fan since 2000. Loved both parts 1 and 2 of this video Last Cominsky. 💚💛💚💛

[@scottg1471]

Life long Cubs fan but my dad took me to Sox games growing up because it was cheaper and way cooler than Wrigley. Awesome series so far!

[@richardszablewski1420]

This is a must see, for Chicago White Sox fans, and fans of the game in general.

[@craigsherman9385]

I was at the Andy Hawkins game. I was in the first few rows in left field. I always had an ability to project my voice. Just as Leyritz reached the warning track, I yelled as loud as I could “Drop it!” And now you know the rest of the story!

[@engineerguyse]

Brings back many great memories going to Friday Night Games with my father in late 50's early 60's then moving on to Sunday Double Headers with my Sister/Father in the 60's. I was at the very 1st BAT DAY! I was at the 5/1/59 game when Early Wynn pitched a one-hitter and hit a home run ! Go Go White Sox!

[@brucebasile5083]

I was fortunate to play there in the 1970 city championship game for Fenger HS, bearing Senn HS 3-0. We beat Phillips a couple days before at Wrigley to get to the championship. We had a 50 year reunion for that team a couple years ago that almost all the players attended. Great memories.

[@peacemaker0032]

I also wanna say thx for the memories of great a baseball time. It was so well documented and touched with the feeling of the time!

[@wayneedwards9998]

This brings back so many memories! Thanks for the hard work Matt and Mike! And for putting this together...look forward to Part 3! See ya all in May!!!

[@lastcomiskey1990]

Thanks Wayne!!!

[@stevenrak9032]

Thank you so much for using the bad time of the pandemic to producing something so beautiful and fun.

[@karltaylor4455]

I grew up there.........This is a Sox sentimental journey like no other,,,,,,,,, Thank you!

[@savvycha]

Thank you for making this and for sharing it so freely. Chicago baseball is soul deep and my tears are rising up from that well. Again, many thanks!💯💫👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Shellinois]

Comiskey was basically a dive bar with a baseball game during this doldrum era. The black uniforms a new ballpark and Bo put this team back in the game. This is a great look at a very overlooked period of the White Sox. I applaud your impressive effort. Cheers, and Go Go White Sox!

[@skifusya2814]

I think the dive bar era gradually receded after Bill Veeck's departure. I have a soft spot for the 1987-1990 teams, culminating with 1990 successful season sendoff for the old park. The games for the most part were attended by the fans who were knowledgeable and cared. The black uniforms and new ballpark ushered in more of a bandwagon experience.

[@Gtrips07]

Some of the best ribs in Chicago were a few blocks away at a place called miss piggies on the other size of the expressway.

[@yankee4424]

Great job. Parks today just don’t have the atmosphere of these old parks.

[@BWyatt76]

I love hearing the stories of people who went to games with their Dad. I have the same stories going to Tiger Stadium in Detroit.

[@hisstuff1973]

So true. Something about baseball and a son and dad. I didn't get along well with my dad, but when we were at a White Sox game, differences didn't matter anymore.

[@jeffreycrawford376]

Love this shit and don’t ever want it to end!!!! *20 Days ‘til Opening Day!!!* 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@deontayjenkins152]

This is such a fantastic look back on the last season at old Comiskey Park. Go White Sox!

[@cinderfox1]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING THESE! Brings back so many memories, i miss old Comisky so much and i'm thankful i grew up in the greatest era of baseball 80's early 90's.

[@monexpo86]

Thanks for putting this together, brings back fond memories

[@williamplizga1624]

My father was an Andy frain usher at old comiskey and when he saw this he recognized some of the guys in the footage. He even still has his hat they had him wear.

[@coreywhitacre6581]

Unbelievably well done! Please do some more Chicago sports documentaries.

[@lastcomiskey1990]

More to come!

[@lastcomiskey1990]

Thank you everybody for the incredibly kind comments about our documentary. Also, a lot of fun to read your memories of Comiskey Park. On May 13 in Hyde Park, we will be hosting a live (abbreviated) screening followed by a Q&A with special guests Nancy Faust, Donn Pall, Wayne Edwards and others. See the following link for details -- hope to see some of you there. LINK: www.eventbrite.com/e/last-comiskey-a-white-sox-movie-screening-with-special-guests-tickets-586402364257

[@duckman23]

That was just as good as number one I want to thank you guys for this. I love reliving these memories. Very good stuff I like all the interviews. Very well put together great great job

[@Maxwell1901]

(16:18) "Everybody who works at the ballpark is a shmuck!" Classic line!

[@Marco-qx1db]

The pain of 83 still lingers…..⚾️⚾️

[@jmccracken1963]

Particularly the pain of Mike Flanagan deliberately drilling Ron Kittle in the knee in Game 3 of the ALCS. (And don't tell me that that was accidental!) Watching Games 1, 2, and 3 of the 1983 ALCS (and listening to the audio of Game 4's Chicago radio broadcast (Joe McConnell and Ken Harrelson teamed together!)) on KZbin, I am convinced that THAT was the turning point of the series. With a healthy Kittle in Game 4, the White Sox win and get to Hoyt vs. McGregor redux in Game 5 at home, on a Sunday afternoon - and then it would have been White Sox vs. Phillies in the World Series that year.

[@Gtrips07]

Salome Barojas. Never saw a game he couldn't lose...

[@jmccracken1963]

@@Gtrips07 Actually, the worst of the relief pitchers in the White Sox bullpen in 1983 BY FAR was not Salome Barojas, but rather Juan Agosto. If Agosto came on in relief, you knew the Sox were really throwing sand in the face of the opposing team - and running the very real risk of losing said ballgame.

[@russellm785]

So good! Bravo! If this isn’t your day job… It should be!!

[@jackvelut1427]

I remember that no hit game. I watched it and could not believe it. What a game.

[@verchad]

Loving the documentary. Reliving so many great memories of that 90 team. Thank you.

[@michaelbartello4467]

I was at the Andy Hawkins game, July 1, 1990. That also happened to be the 80th anniversary of the opening of the ballpark. It's incredible how many memories this magnificent production has unlocked from the recesses of my mind that came flooding back as if they occurred last week. ❤

[@Jessica_Roth]

Mets fan, but when I moved across the country in 1989, I had to stop and see Comiskey. Walked all around the place, remembering Roger Angell's quoting a fan when the new park was first proposed: "I'm sure it will be great. But I won't be able to see Babe Ruth play there." (Didn't get back to Chicago until 2015, when I finally went to Wrigley. Haven't been to CellPhone Park [or whatever it's called these days] yet.)

[@jmccracken1963]

For the record, it's now called "Guaranteed Rate Field."

[@Joseph-wp7ru]

Thanks for making this fantastic video , I really loved it 👍

[@richardpuglia6148]

Yet another great video about the 1990 White Sox! Can't wait for Part III next Thursday!

[@porterquartion]

This is really special. Well done.

[@johnnyboy9461]

These two episodes are great work! Looking forward to the third installment! So many memories! Yes, Frank Thomas was a beast! They knew it from the start! He hit it out everywhere, right, center, left, down the lines. Kind of sucks to think that some guy named Kenny with a forgettable playing career but a huge ego decided Frank needed to go after the 2005 WS along with a solid CF for a one-dimensional hitting Thome. 2006 was 1984 all over again.

[@buicklincoln]

This is why I always loved baseball! Great documentary!

[@hisstuff1973]

Oh man. This brings back so many great memories when I was a little kid. My dad and I would catch the "L" at the 54th St. station in Cicero and take it all the way to Comiskey, it dropped you out right there. I remember walking from the L up to the ballpark and it had a presence, a grandiose white cathedral of sorts. I liked baseball, but my dad loved it. I enjoyed my dads joy during these times. The smell of Comiskey was unique as well.....lol! Thank you for this video....awesome!!

[@Brucewells62]

What an absolute gem! Thank you!

[@zachandporter]

Amazing job on this series!!!!!!

[@BigLouUSAF_VET]

I'm really enjoying this!

[@Zelle035]

I wish this documentary could continue. I’m not ready for part 3 😢

[@tomv4408]

Good work, I enjoyed this!

[@bigpossum5482]

I still have the ticket stub from Andy Hawkins no- hitter that wasnt.

[@samspencer8856]

Loved the Video Thank You. Would love to see something about Andy the clown , Ribbie and Roobarb . I got my first ball with the defense of Andy the clown. I opened the door on 3rd base side and pickup the ball quickly and went back into the stands. The security came and Andy said leave him alone he's just a kid. My profile pic is of me and Pat Morita who I met at Old Comiskey. I was there for turn back the clock day, The Yankee no hit win, the double header when Graig Gebeck hit a Grand Slam off Nolan Ryan. what great memories . I still have that ball and got it signed eventually by the whole team that except Fisk. What a great experience.

[@sam-the-man8500]

THE SWEET SOUND OF HAWKS VOICE..YOU CAN PUT IT ON THE BOARD YESSSSS!!!!!!!!

[@sam-the-man8500]

Because you know who the voice of the Chicago White Sox is as well my friend...I MISS HAWK I GOT HIS ALARM CLOCK FROM HAWK HARRELSON DAY YEARS AGO

[@johnayala5366]

This is amazing! Thank you for these!

[@duckman23]

And I used to work in the left field commissary at Wrigley Field. And I know Lloyd from over there the beer vendor. He always tipt us well. Very nice guy him Dennis.. mr. Gospel. All really nice guys

[@toddbrancato5476]

Brings back great memories. Really well done series. Thank yoy

[@billrogan9350]

Awesome stuff. Love this.

[@martyshanahan]

This was Awesome to watch! Hope there is more to come

[@IllinoisStormTracker32]

great work waiting for part 3 and more!!

[@glenndoren7922]

Thank you :)

[@dalejernberg3550]

Was taking a class at IBM in downtown Chicage in 83/84, took in a White Sox game, saw Luzinski hit a bomb then the rains came. Ended up watching the Cubs on the Comiskey big screen playing away somewhere..Still mess with folks saying I watched the Cubs in Comiskey Park once.

[@josephnoga1108]

Bravo!

[@Gtrips07]

I remember when someone fell out of the upper deck and rolled down the foul screen and landed on the field. John Hirscbeck worked the plate that game.

[@brianathern9154]

Yes! 83 Winning Ugly put Comiskey Park grass in the old Cicero yard when they clinched. My Dad and uncle took us out on the field and no 2 kids were more ecstatic. Miss that old Park. The bathroom troughs were something to get used to, kinda like being in baseball stadium prison for the day. Lol

[@FoolishPrankster]

I was at Disco Demolition 1979 LF Upper Deck , people were hurling fire crackers, crazy.

[@vincedidiana5781]

Only 3 minutes in so I don’t know if this will be mentioned. Hope it is. One of my biggest memories of this great year was as a 10 year old, trying hard as heck to stay awake for a doubleheader vs Texas August 10, I believe. In the nightcap, if I remember correctly, Ozzie and Grebeck went back to back off Nolan Ryan. One of the craziest things EVER! Only one explanation- That’s baseball.

[@lastcomiskey1990]

You’re going to enjoy Part 3 😀

[@vincedidiana5781]

@@lastcomiskey1990 Just saw it! I was so happy that I actually had a good idea. Lol. Great documentary, sir. I’m not intelligent enough to describe how great it was. And as much as the “new” park has improved in the last 10-15 years, to build that was a huge mistake. Had no charisma, was so bland. Just terrible. At least it’s pretty good now.

[@ronvojik40]

13:28 love the stace here! Thats letting everyone know you mean business!

[@johndevenney7144]

Last Comiskey Part 1 was good Part 2 was Great 👍

[@peacemaker0032]

I was a Sox fan from 1964-1994... Broke my heart in 1967, but 1972 resurrected it. Then I couldn't figure out what happened to Dick Allen. Anyway the team that broke my heart in 67 gave up Carlton Fisk, then 83 happened. When I started raising my kids, the Sox where floundering to mediocre seasons until 1990. That's when it started clicking again. Loved em with anticipation of winning. Then 94...the strike disaster! The only games and only teams I watched from then till now 2005 World Series.. High priced baby's in my estimation. The game is gone. No more; Mays, Mantle, Frank Robinson, Yaz, Fisk, Thomas (early years). It's MONEYBALL!

[@peacemaker0032]

Note*** I went to the New Park twice..not the same feel. My memories are larger and more exciting from the old park. 77 hit men anyone?

[@thomasbork7379]

I was at the Andy Hawkins 1 thing people forget about the no hitter it was on the 80th and final anniversary of when the ballpark opened. July 1st 1990. I was day with my family. Kinda ironic July 1st 2011 is the day my mom passed away.

[@michaelleroy9281]

I remember that year Andy Hawkins with that game with the no hitter and lost 4-0

[@NowTheEndBeginsMinistries]

Why was Carleton Fisk not interviewed for this doc?

[@michaelleroy9281]

I liked the White Sox uniforms from 1987 -90 that might have been the only time in team history White Sox was spelled out on the jerseys

[@turtle19dad]

I still love Andy Hawkins from his Padres days.

[@Sammydx1]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@gregthegroove]

The vendors….ohhh the vendors. When I was a kid in the 80’s, I knew a vendor that worked at Wrigley. He put himself thru college (AND THEN SOME) by selling beers. How? Well his manager of his section was a coke head. During the games he was so high, for every tray of beers my friend sold, he’d keep half the $. He’d sell 15 trays. Reported to his high coked out manager he sold 10 trays. Remember, no credit cards back then. This happened for 2 summers. Bought himself a Corvette also. 😂

[@Harp4803]

The Andy Frain’s …where part of the Ballpark

[@markdaugherty6318]

1 thing about. Comiskey Park it just ⚾. The Chicago Cardinals play there home game their 🏈. Jackson 5 and the Beatles. Boxing match. Wrestling. Roller Derby

[@blkdank1]

I still think that team with black Jack, Fernandez, Alvarez and Bere was the best White Sox starting pitchers to never win a championship 🏆

[@beardown-ej7rn]

I was at that andy hawkins no hitter

[@comicasters]

@3:47 This might be the funniest end of the game recap of all time… unless you’re the Yankees.😂

[@skifusya2814]

The only thing that dampened the good memories of the 1990 season was Larry Himes dumping Ron Kittle off to Baltimore for a disinterested Phil Bradley. There was no upside to that deal and it was sad to see Kittle, who was having a decent season power-wise, go.

[@tubesocksbrigade3031]

Great series at this point. And it covered lots of great (and not so great) moments at Comiskey leading to 1990. BTW: F U Tito Landrum.

[@bennyayala1538]

Wow go.sox😂😂

[@stevecekander826]

I witnessed banner day one year when I was in my early teens...2 young guys just wearing Jean shorts no shirts had a banner that said...GO TO HELL CLAUDELL!!! Then also witnessed Ross Baumgartner throw a 2 hit shutout the year he was 2-19....Good Times

[@Harp4803]

I couldn’t stand Dave Stewart. But, I did respect him 😊

[@sportsmedia25]

When baseball was baseball and not the stupid game its become today with dumb rules and "analytics"

[@amw99]

I am a huge Sox fan. But I am also a huge documentary fan. You need to pace this out and dig deeper. It's all over the place. Id love an opportunity to recut it with you.

[@mikalpechota770]

You can barely afford to get a ticket to a game now. Players are way over paid. Not to mention parking, getting some food and drinking beers. Robbery.

[@bgoc1263]

We were part of the Sox in '83

[@AngelSoto-bz2nv]

Is there a part three coming?

[@jmccracken1963]

This coming Thursday, 16 March.