Mike Royko wrote about Donald Trump several times, and thanks to Google News we can find them in their archives. Check out what Mike had to say about The Donald 25 years ago:

“The Trump stumped for once” http://bit.ly/1XWn2X0

“Trump may be cad or scoundrel, but certainly not a cheapskate” http://bit.ly/1XCw9vz

“2 Trumps are worse than both” http://bit.ly/1sfBzRJ

“Is that Trump’s girlfriend? No, his laundress” http://bit.ly/1WQFvVx

“I miss Mike very much,” Sam says in May 2000. “I see Mike three, four times. Matter of fact, I see him three days ago. Mike come by here. It was when he was dead. I ask him if he remembers when I said, ‘Mike, if anything ever happen to me, I want you to keep the Billy Goat name alive.’ And he nods his head and I tell him, ‘Now that you are gone I am going to keep your name alive. I’m going to make sure your name will live forever.'”

The original Billy Goat Tavern on Madison had always been a hangout for sports writers, journalists, and photographers covering Chicago Stadium events. So when the tavern moved to Michigan Avenue it was naturally nestled between the major Chicago newspaper companies. A journalist’s hangout, it inspired numerous columns from some of the greats like Mike Royko, Dave Condon and more. If there ever was a museum dedicated to Chicago newspaper journalism it would start by looking like the Billy Goat Tavern.

Kup’s Column featuring the goat’s ticket from the 1945 World Series:

Mike Royko’s softball team celebrates in the VIP Room:

And the Curse of Murphy the Billy Goat lives on for another year:

The legendary Mike Royko often wrote about Sam and Billy Goat Tavern. He raved about Sam’s work ethic and character. In a letter of recommendation, Mike wrote of Sam:

“I would say that if I had to walk down to the OK Corral, Sam would be the first person I’d ask to join me. On second thought, I wouldn’t have to ask. He’d already be there.” - Mike Royko

Check out the book “A Chicago Tavern.” You’ll find the most complete set of Billy Goat Tavern stories available. Buy it now in our online store! http://thebillygoattavern.com/souvenirs/index.php/all-products/book-a-chicago-tavern.html

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.

“That simple approach is why restaurants run by short Greeks stay in business and make money. And why restaurants that are run by corporations and managed by young men who are educated beyond their intelligence come and go. And mostly go.”

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1986-12-05/news/8604010079_1_restaurants-orders-lunch

Mike Royko from December 5, 2024 on what happens when you don’t have lunch at Billy Goat:

“The moment we sat down for lunch, I knew it was a mistake. It was one of those cute new yuppie-poo restaurants with ferns and a menu that listed calories.”

Check out his article. It’s vintage Mike Royko and definitely worth the read: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1986-12-05/news/8604010079_1_restaurants-orders-lunch

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

Our good friend Rick Kogan wrote a complete history of the world-famous Billy Goat Tavern - A Chicago Tavern a Goat, a Curse, and the American Dream. This is the story of a real Chicago legend. It’s packed with tales that include:

• The antics of “Chicago’s Greatest Inn Keeper” - William Sianis
• The real story of The Billy Goat Curse
• Billy’s Nephew Sam Sianis
• The SNL skit that immortalized Sam and his tavern
• Mike Royko and the journalists who are regulars

BUY IT NOW! http://thebillygoattavern.com/souvenirs/index.php/all-products/book-a-chicago-tavern.html

A Chicago Tavern by Rick Kogan