The lights had been purchased and were due to be installed after the 1941 season, but after the sneak attack at Pearl Harbor, Cubs owner Philip Wrigley donated the lights to the United States War Department instead.
By Opening Day, April 17, 1942, the lights were long gone. They wouldn't be installed for another 46 years.
Although, that first season nobody seemed to mind. The Cubs were considered quite patriotic in 1942. They also donated every ball hit into the stands to the United States Military recreation department.
On the day that could have been played under the lights, the Cubs beat Reds ace Johnny Vander Meer. Bill Lee out-dueled him in a 3-2 Cubs victory. Cubs shortstop Lennie Merullo scored two of the three runs for the Cubs.
