The 27th Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray to feature celebs, sports stars and White Sox curse-breaking ceremony

Baseball fans, sports legends and Chicagoans alike will unite on Tuesday, March 18, for the 27th Annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray. Hosted at Harry Caray’s Tavern on Navy Pier, this year’s event will be a memorable occasion, featuring a special ceremony aimed at breaking the White Sox “Curse of the Black Sox Ball.” 

Harry Caray, the beloved baseball broadcaster whose voice became synonymous with Chicago baseball, left an indelible mark on the sport before his passing in 1998. His legacy is celebrated annually with a city-wide toast, bringing together fans to raise a Budweiser in his honor. This year’s event, however, will take on an added level of significance with an attempt to lift a curse that some believe has plagued the White Sox in recent seasons.

Breaking the Curse of the Black Sox Ball

The White Sox curse-breaking ceremony will begin at 5:00 PM, centered around the infamous “Black Sox Ball” from the 1919 World Series—the very ball linked to the infamous Black Sox Scandal. The relic was discovered in 2022 inside a time capsule buried within the old Tribune Tower in 1920. Shortly after the ball was moved to the Chicago Sports Museum, the White Sox’s fortunes took a dramatic downturn. Once a playoff-contending team, they suffered a record-breaking 121 losses in the 2024 season. Many superstitious fans and analysts have speculated that the ball’s relocation triggered a curse on the franchise.

To put an end to the streak of misfortune, the Black Sox Ball will be ceremoniously returned to the Tribune Tower, in hopes of reversing the team’s struggles. Before its departure, fans will have the chance to view the historic artifact, which will be escorted from the venue by security and accompanied by a bagpipe procession courtesy of the Shannon Rovers.

Star-Studded Guest List

Several notable sports figures will be in attendance, including White Sox 1983 AL Rookie of the Year Ron Kittle, Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Richard Dent, and Blackhawks Hall of Famers Chris Chelios and Jeremy Roenick. Former White Sox outfielder Mike Huff, along with the team’s mascot Southpaw and the Sox Pride Crew, will also join the festivities.

Additionally, key figures such as former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, Bob Reiter (President of the Chicago Federation of Labor), and Jim Sweeney (President of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150) will be on hand to witness the historic ceremony.

Live Coverage and Fan Engagement

The event will kick off with a live WGN Radio broadcast from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, featuring The Lisa Dent Show and appearances by radio personalities Kevin Powell, Bob Sirott, John Landecker, and John Williams. Throughout the day, fans will have multiple opportunities to win White Sox tickets and enjoy exclusive coverage of the Curse-Breaking Ceremony and the annual Toast to Harry, which is set for 5:30 PM.

A Celebration of Chicago Baseball and Harry Caray’s Legacy

The Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray continues to be one of Chicago’s most anticipated annual traditions, honoring a man who brought baseball to life for generations of fans. This year’s added spectacle—the attempt to lift the White Sox curse—ensures that the 27th annual toast will be a historic occasion that blends sports superstition, nostalgia, and the enduring spirit of Harry Caray.

So, grab a Budweiser, raise your glass and join the city of Chicago in a heartfelt toast to the man who made baseball a little more magical.

(For those unable to attend in person, the festivities can be streamed live on WGN Radio 720 or online at wgnradio.com.)