Beth Murphy

Beth Murphy was the owner of Murphy’s Bleachers sports bar at the corner of Sheffield and Wavelend, across the street from right field at Chicago’s famous Wrigley Field baseball stadium. The bar has a rooftop view of Cubs Baseball is popular among, fans, athletes, and musicians who all play at Wrigley.

Beth was active in the Lakeview community among rooftop owners and local businesses; she defended their interests amid the development in and around the iconic baseball stadium. She was the former president of East Lakeview Neighbors, and she led the annual Oktoberfest fundraiser.

The bar was originally Ernie’s Bleachers in the 1930s, In 1965 it became Ray’s Bleachers under new ownership. Beth’s husband, Jim Murphy, bought the bar in 1980 and ran it until his death in 2003. The bar is now owned by the next generation of the family, Brian Murphy.

Her honorary sign was dedicated at the Oktoberfest event in 2023.

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Honorary Beth Murphy WAY

Southeast Corner of North Sheffield Avenue and West Waveland Avenue

 

Approved: September 2023

Ward: 44
Alderman: Bennett Larson
Neighborhood: Lakeview/Wrigleyville

b. 1955
d. 2023. Age 67

near
Murphy’s Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield

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Source

20232741

https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/09/14/beth-murphy-murphys-bleachers-late-owner-will-be-honored-with-wrigleyville-street-sign/

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/04/24/beth-murphy-the-murphys-bleachers-owner-who-battled-the-chicago-cubs-over-the-wrigleyville-rooftops-dies-at-68/

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/beth-murphy-owner-murphys-bleachers-dies/

https://abc7chicago.com/beth-murphy-chicago-obituary-cubs-news/13186851/

Mac and Louise Irvin

McGlother "Mac" Irvin was considered the “Godfather“of Chicago club basketball. He launched the Mac Irvin Fire, basketball club to highlight Chicago talent and setup a traveling team, which was sponsored by Nike in 1992. Many players went on to the NBA. He also founded the Mac Irvin Foundation to make a positive impact on at risk youth through basketball.

His wife, Louise Irvin was the manager of the program until her death in 2019. He worked for Xerox company before starting the Club; they raised 6 children on the South Side of Chicago. The Foundation and Club are being continued by the Irvin children.

Fernwood Park Basketball Courts were dedicated in his honor in 2012.

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Honorary McGlother "Mac" Irvin WAY

South Parnell Avenue from West 109th Street to West 111th Street

 

Approved: April 2023

Ward: 21
Alderman: Howard Brookins, Jr., (amended September) Ronnie Mosely
Neighborhood: Pullman

d. 2011. Age 74

Sign dedication: September 23, 2023

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Source

20231313
20121108

https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/mcglother-mac-irvin-basketball-courts

https://www.jcoydenreports.com/chicagohonorsgodfathermacirvin

https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/high-school/post/_/id/2380/chicago-mourns-passing-of-mac-irvin

https://www.foreverfire.org/about-us

https://www.guidestar.org/profile/36-4430661

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/12/24/mac-irvin-godfather-of-chicago-basketball-dies/

Ronald Everette McKee, Sr.

Ronald Everett McKee, Sr. aka. Ronnie, Rem, and Coach was a very active community member who coached sports at several Chicago Park District locations and schools: Altgeld Park, Austin Park, Garfield Park; LaFollette Park, Union Park, and LeClaire Courts Fieldhouse.

He led several teams to State Championships. In addition to sports, he taught his students about life and black history. He was the first black sports captain of his high school where he was on the wrestling team.

In 1987 he was a candidate for 12th Ward Alderman.

Alum:
Kennedy High School

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Honorary Ronald Everette McKee, Sr Way

South Leamington Avenue, from West 44th Street to West 45th Street

 

Approved: September 2022

Ward: 22
Alderman: Rodriguez
Neighborhood: Archer Heights

d. March 4, 2019

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Source

20222439
R814

Big Tom (Thomas F. Markham, Jr.)

Thomas F. Markham, Jr was a very popular, multi-sport coach in the Clearing neighborhood at St. Symphorosa Catholic School. At 6 feet, 6 inches in height - he was known by all as “Big Tom.” Sports was always part of his life and the grand legacy that he passed on to his children and all the young athletes he coached through the years.

Tom grew up on the southwest side of Chicago

Alumnus:

Grimes School
De LaSalle High School
Northern Michigan University

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Honorary Big Tom Way

6000 block of South Melvina Avenue

 

Approved: March 2022

Ward: 13
Alderman: Quinn
Neighborhood: Clear Ridge

b. July 4, 1957
d. 2017. Age 59

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Source

2022619

Jack Rosenberg

Jack “Rosy” Rosenberg was sports editor for The Tribune Company and WGN from 1954-1994, and was a huge behind the scenes influence on the radio and television production of sports. He was often found in the broadcast booth with Jack Brickhouse. He also worked with other Chicago legends: Harry Caray, Vince Lloyd, Lou Boudreau, Jack Quinlan and Irv Kupcinet.

Jack arranged for President Kennedy to be interviewed by a sports reporter during a game. He also wrote the Hall of Fame induction speech for Jack Brickhouse.

He was a “walking encyclopedia” of Chicago sports.

WGN Radio Walk of Fame 2017

RIP Jack Rosenberg. We’ve lost a Chicago treasure, a WGN legend, and one of the nicest men to ever walk the earth. Pioneer, mentor, brilliant writer, heart of gold. THREAD pic.twitter.com/BZD3ngLqLQ

— Bob Vorwald (@BobVorwald) December 28, 2020

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Honorary Jack Rosenberg Way

East Cityfront Plaza from Illinois Street to East North Water Street

 

Approved: May 2021
Dedicated: August 18, 2021

Ward: 42
Alderman: Reilly
Neighborhood: Magnificent Mile

b. 1926. Pekin, Illinois
d. December 26, 2020. Age 94. Chicago

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Source

Robert Feder. https://www.robertfeder.com/2020/12/28/jack-rosenberg-1926-2020/

https://wgnradio.com/wgn-insider/legendary-wgn-sports-producer-jack-rosenberg-to-be-recognized-with-honorary-street-name/

Jack Brickhouse Hall of Fame Induction Speech. https://wgnradio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Jack-Brickhouses-speech-written-by-Jack-Rosenberg-for-Induction-into-Baseballs-Hall-of-Fame.pdf

Theresa M. Petty-Philpot Way

Theresa was a long time physical education instructor for the Chicago Park District at Sherman Park. She also has a decorating service, Theresa’s Gifted Handz Decorating.

Alumni
Tilden Tech High School
Illinois State University

Honorary Theresa M. Petty-Philpot Way

West 52nd Street from South Loomis Boulevard to South Racine Avenue

 

Approved: January 2017

Ward: 20
Alderman: Cochran
Neighborhood: Back of the Yards

Near
Sherman Park

Unveiling: April 22, 2017

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Neftali Reyes, Jr. Way

Neftali “Buzzo” Reyes was 19 years old, he graduated with honors from Roberto Clemente High School in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. He was a star athlete and an outstanding sportsman for the Wildcats. It was his dream to be a Major League Baseball Pitcher. Neftali was on a full scholarship at Claflin University in South Carolina. He was at home in Chicago for the holidays and recovering from a sports injury when a stranded friend called in need of a ride late one night. Neftali became the innocent victim of a shooting.

Alumni:
Roberto Clemente Community Academy High School

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Honorary Netfali “Buzzo” Reyes, Jr. Way

1000 and 1100 blocks of West Luis Muniz Marin Drive

 

Approved: April 2020

Ward: 26
Alderman: Maldonado
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

b. May 3, 1998. Chicago
d. December 29, 2017. Age 19.

Near
Little Cubs Field in Humboldt Park

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Source

Coach Lewis Thorpe Street

Lewis Thorpe was the basketball coach at North Lawndale College Prep, who led the team to the 2008 state Championship. He was demanding and firm, and highly respected as a coach.

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Honorary Coach Lewis Thorpe Street

 

West 16th Street between south Christiana
south Spaulding
&
south Thompson between Burkhardt and Farrar

Approved: 2020

 

Ward: 26
Alderman: Scott
Neighborhood: Lawndale

d. Age 56

Near
North Lawndale College Prep, Christiana Campus
and Collins campus in Douglas Park

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Clarence L . Shaffer, Sr. Drive

Clarence Shaffer was a Navy WWII veteran and former professional baseball player in the Southern Negro League. He was Deacon of The Way of The Cross Holiness Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago for 37 years, where his wife was the Pastor, W.E. Shaffer.

Veteran: Navy, WWII

Born: Mississippi

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Honorary Clarence L. Shaffer, Sr. Drive

 

South Halsted between 81st to 83rd*

Approved: January 2020

Ward: 21
Alderman: Howard Brookins, Jr.
Neighborhood: South Side, Auburn Gresham

b: Mississippi July 22, 1925
d: Chicago April 16, 2012. Age 87.

Near
The Way of The Cross Holiness M.B. Church
8229 S. Halsted

* the location was amended to 81st to 83rd Street in 2021

Ike Sewell Way

Ike Sewell was the restauranteur who developed the legendary Chicago Deep Dish Pizza.  In 1943 he opened Pizzeria Uno in a victorian house on Wabash Avenue, not far from the Magnificent Mile.  Pizzeria Uno's second location, Pizzeria Due, opened in 1955 down the street from the original, also in a house.  Both restaurants are still open at these locations.

Chicago-style deep dish pizza

Ike Sewell's restaurant career began at the bar. He worked for a distillery when he met his business partner and they decided to open a restaurant. When Ric Riccardo, the owner of Riccardo's on Rush, suggested their new restaurant serve pizza, Ike insisted that the pizza should be a meal itself, not just an appetizer.  He also wanted something different from what he could find in Chicago's Little Italy.  Ike was from Texas, so he liked big, and his pizza had so much more of everything it needed its own pan. And so, Chicago Deep Dish Pizza was born.  Pizzeria Uno also spawned the Italian-style American classics: chicken vesuvio and italian beef sandwiches. Ike was also fond of Mexican food so he established the nearby Su Casa restaurant.

Pizzeria Uno inspired other pizza restaurants around the country and in Chicago.  The father and son team, Rudy and Lou Malnati, were managers during the early years of Pizzeria Uno and Due.  In 1971 Lou Malnati opened his own eponymous pizza place.  Several former Uno's employees started their own restaurants in Chicago including: Gino's East, Delisi's Pizza, Louisa's Pizza, and Pizano's Pizza and Pasta. Uno's became famous outside Chicago when it licensed "Original Chicago Pizzeria Uno" restaurants which opened many locations across the country. 

Ike kept his day job for the first 22 years of Pizzeria Uno; he retired as a vice president of a liquor company in 1965.  Ike started even further from both Chicago and the restaurant business.  He was born in Texas and played college football at the University of Texas, Austin, where he was an All-American in 1924.  Ike received the National Football Foundation Distinguished American Award in 1987.

 

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Neighborhood: River North

Ike Sewell 1903 - 1990, age 87.

Pizzeria Uno
29 E. Ohio

Pizzeria Due
619 N. Wabash Avenue

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Chicago Tribune, "A History of Deep Dish Pizza"
Chicago Tribune, "Pizzeria Uno Opens"
Chicago Tribune, "Ike Sewell"

Javier 'Javy' Baez Way

Javier Baez played for the Chicago Cubs baseball team (2014-2021) and was a crucial part of the team's historic World Series win in 2016. His nickname is “El Mago,” the magician. He was co-MVP for the National League and an All-Star.

Honorary Javier "Javy" Baez Way was dedicated on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 and drew a huge crowd of adults and children from the proud Puerto Rican community and beyond, most were wearing Chicago Cubs hats, shirts, jackets, and Javy's jersey number 9.  

"Congratulations Javier Baez" cake from a local bakery

Fan wearing Javier Baez Cubs jersey number 9 and flying the flag of Puerto Rico

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Honorary Javier “Javy” Baez Way

At Little Cubs Field in Humboldt Park

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Approved: 2017

Ward: 26
Alderman: Roberto Maldonado
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

Sign Dedication Ceremony: April 11, 2017

 

The sign stands in Humboldt Park in front of "Little Cubs Field" and also at the Division Street entrance to the park on Luis Munoz Marin Drive.

The sign dedication was hosted by Alderman Roberto Maldonado and attended by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

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Source

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Javier_B%C3%A1ez

Coach Kirk Vidas Way

 Kirk Vidas has been a baseball and basketball coach at William Howard Taft High School for more than 20 years; and a professional basketball player in Greece. Kirk Vidas was selected for the Greek Olympics team in 1980 and 1984. He was named educator of the month by the Chicago Bulls basketball team in February 2017.

Alumni
Gordon Tech High School, Chicago (since 2017 DePaul College Prep)
Upper Iowa University
American College of Education

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Honorary Coach Kirk Vidas Way

5600 block of North Northcott Avenue

 

Approved: January 2017

Ward: 41
Alderman: Napolitano
Neighborhood: Norwood Park

Taft High-School

Greek American Hall of Fame

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Source

Honorary Jesse C. White Way

Jesse White is the longest serving Secretary of State in Illinois (1999-2023), 24 years; Cook County Recorder of Deeds (1993-1999); a member of the Illinois General Assembly (16 years). He served in the Chicago Public Schools for 30 years; he served in the Army and in the Illinois National Guard. He also played minor league baseball for the Chicago Cubs. While in college in Alabama, Martin Luther King, Jr. was his pastor.

Before his political career, he was best know for his performance troupe, the Jesse White Tumblers, which he formed in 1959 to teach urban youth the value of athletics and staying in school. His athletes are required to maintain a C-average or better grades and away from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. More than 18,000 youth have come through his program. In retirement from politics he is still actively involved with the Tumblers.

Veteran: Army 101st Airborne Division

Alum
Alabama State University (College) and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
Lincoln Park High School (Waller High School)

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Honorary Jesse C. White Way

100 West to 800 West Division Street

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Approved

Ward: 42

b. June 23, 1934 in Alton, Illinois

Near
Jesse White Field House
412 West Chicago Avenue

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Source

http://jessewhitetumblingteam.com/

WGN-TV Interview: https://youtu.be/yKPimx-0plg?si=emMZjORZar2mNK5i

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_White_(politician)

Illinois Organ and Tissue Donation Program. https://youtu.be/cw54o9HjSrY?si=aHG1ERRtB37Amtgh