Chicago Cubs
History
The Chicago Cubs are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in MLB history. Founded in 1876 as the Chicago White Stockings, the team has undergone several name changes before settling on the Cubs in 1903. The franchise is renowned for its long-standing rivalry with the St. Louis Cardinals, a competition that has captivated baseball fans for over a century.
The Cubs' early years were marked by success, with the team winning the National League pennant in 1876, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1885, and 1886. The team claimed its first World Series title in 1907 and repeated the feat in 1908. However, the Cubs would endure a lengthy championship drought, not winning another World Series until 2016, a period often referred to as the "Curse of the Billy Goat."
Wrigley Field
The Cubs' home, Wrigley Field, is one of the most iconic ballparks in baseball. Opened in 1914 as Weeghman Park, it was renamed Wrigley Field in 1926 after the chewing gum magnate and then-owner William Wrigley Jr. The stadium is renowned for its ivy-covered outfield walls and the hand-operated scoreboard, features that have become synonymous with the Cubs' brand.
Wrigley Field is located in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, often referred to as Wrigleyville. It has been the site of numerous historic moments, including Babe Ruth's alleged "called shot" during the 1932 World Series. The ballpark underwent significant renovations in the 2010s to modernize its facilities while preserving its historic charm.
Notable Players
The Cubs have been home to many legendary players throughout their history. Ernie Banks, known as "Mr. Cub," is perhaps the most iconic, having spent his entire 19-year career with the team. Banks was a two-time National League MVP and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.
Other notable Cubs include Ferguson Jenkins, a dominant pitcher who won the Cy Young Award in 1971, and Ryne Sandberg, a ten-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner. More recent stars include Kris Bryant, who won the National League MVP in 2016, and Anthony Rizzo, a key figure in the Cubs' 2016 World Series triumph.
The Curse of the Billy Goat
The "Curse of the Billy Goat" is a popular legend surrounding the Cubs' long championship drought. The curse allegedly began in 1945 when Billy Sianis, owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, was asked to leave Wrigley Field during Game 4 of the World Series because his pet goat's odor was disturbing other fans. Sianis supposedly declared that the Cubs would never win another World Series, a prophecy that seemed to hold true until 2016.
Despite numerous playoff appearances, the Cubs were unable to capture a World Series title for 108 years. The curse became a focal point for fans and media, often cited as a reason for the team's misfortunes. The Cubs' victory in the 2016 World Series finally put the curse to rest.
The 2016 World Series
The Cubs' 2016 World Series victory was a historic moment in baseball. After finishing the regular season with the best record in MLB, the Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers to reach the World Series. Facing the Cleveland Indians, the Cubs overcame a 3-1 series deficit to win in seven games.
The decisive Game 7 was a dramatic affair, featuring a rain delay and extra innings. The Cubs ultimately prevailed 8-7, ending their 108-year championship drought. The victory was celebrated by millions of fans in Chicago and around the world, marking a new era for the franchise.
Ownership and Management
The Cubs have been owned by several prominent figures throughout their history. The Wrigley family owned the team from 1921 to 1981, during which time the Cubs became synonymous with Wrigley Field. In 1981, the Tribune Company purchased the team, and in 2009, the Ricketts family acquired the franchise.
Under the Ricketts' ownership, the Cubs have focused on building a competitive team through player development and analytics. The hiring of Theo Epstein as President of Baseball Operations in 2011 was a pivotal moment, as Epstein played a key role in assembling the 2016 championship team.
Fan Base and Culture
The Cubs boast one of the most passionate and loyal fan bases in sports. Known as the "Cubs Nation," fans have supported the team through decades of ups and downs. The team's anthem, "Go, Cubs, Go," is a staple at Wrigley Field, played after every home victory.
Cubs fans are known for their traditions, such as throwing back opposing teams' home run balls onto the field and singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch. The team's long history and iconic ballpark have made the Cubs a beloved institution in Chicago and beyond.