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

http://thebillygoattavern.com/legend/wall-of-fame/

The Wall of Fame

Check out this amazing set of photos of The Goat from the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/about/chicagolive/almanac/chi-091227-billy-goat-tavern-pictures,0,578557.photogallery

When you visit The Billy Goat Tavern’s subterranean Michigan Ave. location make sure to check out the Wall of Fame - our tribute to the giants of Chicago’s Media. Since we moved to our current location in 1964, the Billy Goat has been a favorite hang out of great Chicago reports like Mike Royko, Dave Condon, Irv Kupcinet, and many more. Today, the Billy Goat is still a frequent hangout for writers and a living museum of Chicago journalism. When visiting the Billy Goat, you’re likely to hear some lively conversation about everything from world events to neighborhood stories. We’re now bringing the Wall of Fame online for everyone to see, share and learn: http://thebillygoattavern.com/legend/wall-of-fame/