By Dudley Runt, Chicago Tribune
(Chicago, Oct. 29, 1995) - As the Black Sox rolled to the Landis Memorial Championship in Des Moines, inebriated fans swarmed into downtown Chicago for hours of revelry and destruction.
The Police Commissioner reported 221 arrests, most for disorderly conduct and public lewdness.
The rioting began just minutes after the Black Sox topped the Des Moines Kernels, 5-3, to clinch the championship round four games to one. Thousands gathered at downtown intersections, overturning cars and setting fires. Men climbed light poles and young women climbed onto friends' shoulders and shed their tank tops.
Officials estimated the damage in the millions of dollars. The team later issued a statement praising the partying, "We appreciate the passion with which our fans have supported this team in its proudest moment."
Back in Des Moines, team captain Henry "Natural" Jones grinned broadly when asked about the mayhem. "We love our fans, they're crazy."
The Black Sox clinched the Landis title thanks mainly to strong pitching, particularly by the starting rotation. Ace Jeff Kiplinger was the series MVP, winning all four of his playoff starts, with a 2.10 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. The offense was led by CF Resurrection Santos, who hit .306 with 12 RBI in the 14 playoff games.
Team GM Mike Dunn offered a heartfelt congratulations to the Frick League Champion Des Moines Kernels. "They never made it easy. They're a tough squad and we hope to battle them again next season for the Landis title."
The Kernels offense suffered with the loss to injury of star CF Reddie Ray, who hit .308 with 84 RBI during the regular season, during the Kernel's Cartwright Cup battle against the Long Beach surfers. One Des Moines team official say Ray's injury "definitely hurt."
Back in Chicago, the mayor called on the police commissioner to release all the drunken fans. "They were just enjoying the moment," he said, "Cut 'em a break."
