As a 15-year-old in 1946, I attended the final home game of my fellow townsman from Joliet, Ill., DePaul University basketball great George Mikan. When Joliet mayor Art Janke was introduced before the game to present an award to Mikan, the more than 20,000 fans gathered at the old Chicago Stadium greeted His Honor with a lusty Bronx cheer.

“Dad, why are they booing the Mayor?” I asked my father.