MLB Rivalries: Chicago Cubs Vs. Chicago White Sox

MLB has long been one of the greatest baseball championships in the world. This is due to the widespread popularity that has been enabled with vast television coverage and promotion in the media. Not only that, but betting has become a huge part of many modern sports. To find out more, check out the latest Odds to Win World Series so that you can make accurate predictions.

There have always been many intense rivalries across the MLB, ranging from teams with a past conflict that is unresolved to franchises who have very similar skill sets. One of the most significant rivalry within the championship is between the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. Here is everything you need to know about their rivalry, as well as the things that make it so heated.

Origins

Something that makes this rivalry one of the most intense within MLB is that it is one of the oldest within the championship. This means that fans have been able to follow each franchise for many years, and even through generations. Interestingly, the Cubs and the White Sox are based in different divisions.

As a result, the two teams have competed against each other most years since 1903. Even though the Cubs were considered a much younger team during those days, they defeated the White Sox in the 1906 World Series. The White Sox were nicknamed the “Hitless Wonders” as a result.

With many years of competition under their belts, both teams began to compete in the civilized “Windy City Classic”. This annual charity game alternated between each team’s home stadium, although the White Sox had a ten-year winning streak between 1985 and 1995.

Crosstown Classics

As the franchise names suggest, both are based in the colorful town of Chicago. Because of this, the town is divided into those that follow and support the White Sox and those that prefer the Cubs. For many, this rivalry has led to a division between the North and South of Chicago.

There are many nicknames which have emerged as a result of the close competition and long-running rivalry. However, one of the most popular is Crosstown Classics. This is used to describe any key rivalry between teams and franchises based in the same town or city. It describes the geographical proximity, which can contribute to the tension between fans and players alike.

Interestingly, MLB has made use of this term and found a way to celebrate the closeness of two rivals. In 2010, the Crosstown Cup was introduced, and the White Sox were the winners for the first three years of its existence. It began to gain popularity, and earned its own sponsorship from large corporations. The Cubs won the cup in 2013, although the White Sox regained possession the following year.

Physical Rivalry

2006 was a significant year for both teams and their rivalry because this was the first instance when things turned physical. White Sox catcher A. J. Pierzynski collided with Michael Barrett, who was a Cubs’ catcher. Pierzynski had just been saved when Barrett dropped the ball, causing Pierzynski to slap the home plate in celebration.

However, when Pierzynski began to walk away, Barrett was blocking his route. Barrett then punched Pierzynski in the jaw, which led to a huge brawl between the White Sox and Cubs. After about fifteen minutes, umpires managed to remove the two protagonists. Barrett received a ten-game suspension, while Pierzyski was fined.

Different Fans

Another reason why the Cubs and White Sox stand out as key rivals is the fact that there is a noticeable difference between each franchise’s fans. The Cubs’ home stadium is surrounded by upper-middle-class housing, with restaurants, bars, and music venues that fans can enjoy within the venue.

In contrast, the home of the White Sox is known for having more of a working class following. This can be seen in Bridgeport neighborhood to the west of the home field. Although there are a range of restaurants, bars, and other venues close by, fans must travel a few blocks away from Guaranteed Rate Field to get there.

Curse Of The Billy Goat

Another key moment within the White Sox Cubs rivalry is known as the curse of the billy goat. Both teams have had many years of bad luck, and fans have conspired that there is a curse caused by a Cubs fan in 1945.

Billy Sianis attempted to enter the stadium during the World Series, but was unable to reach his seat because he was accompanied by his pet goat. According to local legend, Billy placed a curse on the Cubs so that they would never win a World Series.

The fact that they did not succeed until 2016 could be evidence of this. However, the Cubs have been known to bring a goat through the stadium as an apology.

Summary

The rivalry between the two MLB teams in Chicago has been known to divide the town. Because of this, they are known as Crosstown Classics. It is exciting to see whether this rivalry will continue in future seasons within the MLB and local charity games.

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