chetzoid's blog: "Chetzoid's World"

Where were you on July 12, 1979?  I know most of you weren't born yet and others are saying I don't remember what I had for breakfast let alone what I was doing 31 years ago.  Let me tell you where I was and what I was doing.

I had graduated high school in May and was looking forward to starting college.  Basically I was working and enjoying the summer.  One day in late June I heard of a promotion for a Chicago White Sox double-header against the Detroit Tigers that was coming up.  The promotion was called "Disco Demolition Night".  Tickets were 98 cents if you brought and turned in a disco record at the Comiskey Park box office.  When I realized this was scheduled for a Thursday night I decided I would go.  The White Sox had a losing record and attendance for Monday through Thursday was well under 10,000 people.  This in a ballpark that was built in the early 1900's and had a seating capacity of 90,000.

Before leaving I made up the appropriate story, to let my parents know, that I would be gone all day that day and wouldn't be home till late at night.  My family lived in a small (less than 900 residents) west central Indiana town about 155 miles or so south of Chicago.  I also had to plunk down $5.50 plus tax for a disco record.  I remember it was the Bee Gee's, the first and only one I bought, but I don't remember the name of the album.

I arrived at Comiskey Park in time for batting practice.  Good thing I did, because I was surprised by the attendance.  By the time the first pitch was thrown the place was full.  Standing room only.  It was a hot and humid day and by the time the 6th inning was over the fans were becoming restless.  People in my section, the sun drenched left field bleachers, had drunk more than their fair share of beer.  What I thought at first were black frisbees flying around were in actuality records.  The White Sox were also behind and that wasn't helping the fans mood at all.  Mercifully the first game ended with little trouble and the White Sox losing.

Then a guy dressed in army fatigues and a helmet enters the field and strides to center field.  He was followed by a woman and a large wooden box, filled with tens of thousands of disco records, escorted by security.  The guy, dressed to play army, has a microphone and starts leading the fans in a chant of "Disco Sucks".  Everyone in attendance joins in and the chanting gets louder and more intense.  Then he begins a countdown and when zero is reached he pushes a button and BOOM!!!! The box with all the records explodes leaving a hole in the grass.  I see records and album covers flying through the air in flames.  They land harmlessly on the field and begin burning patches of the grass.  Now all hell breaks loose.  All that pent up excitement is unleashed as the fans, me included, rush onto the field.  While I was walking around I could see people were ripping up chunks of sod and Chicago's finest were cuffing others.  Mini riots were happening and other people were starting new fires.  It was chaos.  I heard the PA announcing for everyone to leave the field and return to their seats.  Even the scoreboard was flashing "PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR SEATS".  I thought that a good idea and began to make my way back.  Finally it was announced the second game was postponed.  After hearing that I headed for my car to drive the 155 or so miles back home.  Depending on the source 35-40 people were arrested and another 6-12 were treated for injuries.  I was surprised the totals were not higher.  As I drove home I knew this would be one day at the ballpark I would never forget.  The next day Lee McPhail, President of the American League, announced the game would not be made up and Detroit was declared winners by forfeit.

I found a picture of that night on the website Bleacher Report.  It was part of an article by RM Herold, dated 9 July 2010.  The article was titled "What is Wrong with You?!  The 20 Worst Fans of All Time".  The "Disco Demolition Night" ranked 16th.  I have included graphics on the pic to show where I was walking around on the field.