Larry (Lawrence) Thurm

Coach Larry Thurm started a baseball league at Bell Park in 1985, which expanded and grew to include Riis Park and Sayre Park and a wide range of age groups.

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Honorary Coach Larry (Lawrence) Thurm WAY

North Oak Park Avenue from West Barry Avenue to West Wellington Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 36
Alderman: Gilbert Villegas
Neighborhood: Portage Park

b. September 30, 1935 in Chicago
d. October 29, 2023. Age 88

Near
Bell Park and Riis Park

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Source

20247707

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/chicago-il/lawrence-thurm-11515218

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/

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

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

Javier 'Javy' Baez Way

Javier Baez plays for the Chicago Cubs baseball team and was a crucial part of the team's historic World Series win in 2016.

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

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.

Ward: 26
Alderman: Roberto Maldonado
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park
Sign Dedication Ceremony: April 11, 2017