Chicago Cubs

Team Information

Franchise History

The Chicago Cubs are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in professional sports. Founded in 1876, the Cubs are the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise in North America. The team has won three World Series championships, most recently in 2016, ending a 108-year drought.

Early History

The franchise was originally known as the White Stockings (1876-1889), then the Colts (1890-1897), the Orphans (1898-1902), and finally the Cubs (since 1903). The team was a founding member of the National League.

The Curse and Redemption

The Cubs experienced the longest championship drought in North American professional sports (1908-2016), attributed by fans to the “Curse of the Billy Goat” (1945-2016). The 2016 World Series victory was one of the most celebrated in sports history.

Current Status

The Cubs compete in the National League Central. Following their 2016 championship, the team has remained competitive, though they traded away many core players from the championship team in 2021.

Ownership History

Management

• General Manager: Carter Hawkins
• Manager: Craig Counsell
• Team President: Jed Hoyer

Historical Significance

• One of MLB’s two charter National League franchises
• Oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise in North America
• 3 World Series championships (1907, 1908, 2016)
• 17 NL Pennants
• Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark in MLB (after Fenway Park)
• The 2016 World Series ended a 108-year championship drought

Chicago Cubs History

The Early Years (1876-1900)

Founding and First Championships

The Chicago White Stockings were one of the founding members of the National League in 1876. The team won the first National League pennant that season with a 52-14 record under player-manager Albert Spalding.

The franchise changed names multiple times in its early years: - 1876-1889: White Stockings - 1890-1897: Colts - 1898-1902: Orphans - 1903-Present: Cubs

The First Dynasty (1906-1910)

1906 Cubs

The 1906 Cubs won a record 116 games (116-36, .763 winning percentage) and still hold the best winning percentage in MLB history. However, they lost the World Series to the crosstown White Sox (“Hitless Wonders”).

1907 World Series Champions

The Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers in the World Series, winning their first championship.

1908 World Series Champions

The Cubs repeated as champions, defeating the Tigers again. Key players included: - Three Finger Brown (pitcher) - Frank Chance (first base, manager) - Johnny Evers (second base) - Joe Tinker (shortstop) - The famous “Tinker to Evers to Chance” double-play combination

The Drought Begins: Little did anyone know that the 1908 championship would be the last for 108 years.

The Wrigley Era (1916-1981)

Moving to Wrigley Field

In 1916, the Cubs moved into Weeghman Park (renamed Wrigley Field in 1926). The ballpark, built in 1914, has been their home ever since.

The 1918 World Series

The Cubs reached the World Series in 1918 but lost to the Boston Red Sox (Babe Ruth’s Red Sox).

The 1929-1938 Contenders

The Cubs had competitive teams in the 1930s, reaching the World Series in 1929, 1932, 1935, and 1938, but lost each time.

Key Players of the Era: - Hack Wilson - Kiki Cuyler - Gabby Hartnett - Billy Herman

The Curse of the Billy Goat (1945)

The Legend: In Game 4 of the 1945 World Series, tavern owner Billy Sianis brought his pet goat to Wrigley Field. When other fans complained about the goat’s odor, Sianis was ejected. He allegedly declared that the Cubs would never win again.

The Cubs lost the 1945 World Series to the Detroit Tigers and did not return to the World Series until 2016 - a 71-year absence.

The Drought Years (1946-2015)

Decades of Struggles

The Cubs experienced prolonged periods of losing: - 1945-1966: Mostly losing records - 1969: The infamous collapse (led division by 8.5 games in August, finished 8 games behind the Mets) - 1970s-1980s: Occasional competitive seasons but no playoff success - 1984: Lost NLCS to Padres after leading 2-0 - 1989: Lost NLCS to Giants - 1998: Lost NLDS to Braves - 2003: The Steve Bartman incident (lost NLCS to Marlins after leading 3-1) - 2007-2008: Swept in consecutive postseasons

The Steve Bartman Incident (2003)

In Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS, with the Cubs five outs from the World Series, fan Steve Bartman reached for a foul ball that Cubs left fielder Moises Alou was attempting to catch. The Cubs subsequently collapsed, losing Game 6 and Game 7 to the Florida Marlins.

The incident became symbolic of the Cubs’ curse and created enormous pressure on Bartman, who had to be escorted from the stadium for his safety.

The Theo Epstein Era (2011-2020)

The Rebuild

Theo Epstein, who had ended the Boston Red Sox’s curse in 2004, was hired as President of Baseball Operations in 2011. Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer began a complete rebuild of the franchise.

Key Draft Picks and Acquisitions

• Kris Bryant: 2012 draft, 2nd overall
• Javier Baez: 2011 draft
• Kyle Schwarber: 2014 draft
• Addison Russell: 2014 trade
• Anthony Rizzo: 2012 trade
• Jon Lester: 2014 free agent signing
• Jake Arrieta: 2013 trade

The 2015 NLCS

The Cubs reached the NLCS in 2015, their first appearance since 2003, but were swept by the New York Mets.

The 2016 World Series Champions

The Greatest Series in Baseball History

The 2016 Cubs won 103 games in the regular season and defeated the San Francisco Giants (NLDS) and Los Angeles Dodgers (NLCS) to reach the World Series.

World Series vs. Cleveland Indians: - Game 1: Lost 6-0 (Cleveland) - Game 2: Won 5-1 (Cleveland) - Jake Arrieta gem - Game 3: Lost 1-0 (Chicago) - Game 4: Lost 7-2 (Chicago) - Down 3-1 in series - Game 5: Won 3-2 (Chicago) - Aroldis Chapman 8-out save - Game 6: Won 9-3 (Cleveland) - Forced Game 7 - Game 7: Won 8-7 in 10 innings (Cleveland)

Game 7: The Cubs led 6-3, but Cleveland tied the game 6-6 in the 8th inning. A 17-minute rain delay followed. In the 10th inning, the Cubs scored 2 runs (Ben Zobrist RBI double) and held on to win 8-7, ending the 108-year drought.

Key Players: - Kris Bryant (MVP) - Anthony Rizzo - Javier Baez - Addison Russell - Kyle Schwarber - Jon Lester - Jake Arrieta - Kyle Hendricks - Aroldis Chapman - Dexter Fowler

The Celebration

An estimated 5 million people attended the Cubs’ championship parade in Chicago on November 4, 2016, the largest gathering in Chicago history and one of the largest sports celebrations ever.

Post-Championship Years (2017-Present)

Competitive but Not Champions

The Cubs won the NL Central in 2017 and 2020 but could not return to the World Series. The core players from 2016 were gradually traded away: - 2021: Bryant, Baez, Rizzo, and others traded at the deadline - The team began a new rebuild

The 2020s

The Cubs continue to rebuild, developing young talent while remaining competitive in the NL Central.

Franchise Timeline

Chicago Cubs Championships

World Series Championships

1907 World Series Champions

Manager: Frank Chance
Regular Season Record: 107-45-3
Finals Opponent: Detroit Tigers
Result: Won series 4-0-1 (one game ended in tie)

The Cubs defeated the Tigers in their first World Series appearance. The series featured a tie in Game 1 called due to darkness (this was before lights were common).

Notable Players: - Three Finger Brown (pitcher) - Frank Chance (first base, manager) - Johnny Evers (second base) - Joe Tinker (shortstop) - Harry Steinfeldt (third base)

The famous “Tinker to Evers to Chance” double-play combination was the defensive foundation of the championship.

1908 World Series Champions

Manager: Frank Chance
Regular Season Record: 99-55
Finals Opponent: Detroit Tigers
Result: Won series 4-1

The Cubs repeated as champions, defeating the Tigers again. This would be the Cubs’ last World Series championship for 108 years.

Notable Players: - Three Finger Brown - Ed Reulbach (pitcher) - Frank Chance - Johnny Evers - Joe Tinker

Historical Significance: The 1908 championship began the longest championship drought in North American professional sports history. The Cubs would not win another World Series until 2016.

2016 World Series Champions

Manager: Joe Maddon
Regular Season Record: 103-58
Finals Opponent: Cleveland Indians
Result: Won series 4-3

The 2016 World Series is widely considered one of the greatest in baseball history. The Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians in seven games, ending the 108-year championship drought and breaking the “Curse of the Billy Goat.”

World Series Summary: | Game | Score | Winner | Key Moment | |------|-------|--------|------------| | 1 | 6-0 | Indians | Kluber dominant | | 2 | 5-1 | Cubs | Arrieta 5.2 no-hit innings | | 3 | 1-0 | Indians | Complete game shutout by Tomlin/Miller | | 4 | 7-2 | Indians | Indians lead series 3-1 | | 5 | 3-2 | Cubs | Chapman’s 8-out save | | 6 | 9-3 | Cubs | Russell 6 RBI, forced Game 7 | | 7 | 8-7 (10) | Cubs | Champions after 108 years |

Game 7 Details: - Cubs took 5-1 lead after 5 innings - Rajai Davis hit stunning game-tying 2-run HR off Aroldis Chapman in 8th (100+ mph) - 17-minute rain delay before 10th inning - Cubs scored 2 in 10th (Zobrist RBI double) - Indians scored 1 in bottom of 10th - Kris Bryant fielded final out

World Series MVP: Ben Zobrist

Notable Players: - Kris Bryant (NL MVP) - Anthony Rizzo - Javier Baez - Addison Russell (Game 6 grand slam) - Kyle Schwarber (incredible comeback from ACL tear) - Jon Lester (2 wins) - Jake Arrieta (Game 2 win) - Kyle Hendricks (Game 7 starter) - Aroldis Chapman (critical 8-out save in Game 5) - Dexter Fowler (leadoff HR in Game 7)

Historical Significance: The 2016 championship ended: - 108-year World Series drought (longest in MLB history) - 71-year World Series appearance drought (since 1945) - The “Curse of the Billy Goat” - Generations of heartbreak for Cubs fans

National League Pennants

The Cubs have won the National League pennant 17 times:

Division Championships

The Cubs have won 6 division championships since the divisional era began in 1969:

Wild Card Appearances

The Cubs have qualified as a Wild Card 3 times: - 1998: Lost NLDS to Braves - 2015: Won NL Wild Card; Lost NLCS to Mets - 2018: Lost NL Wild Card Game to Rockies

Playoff History Summary

Individual Awards During Championship Seasons

1907

• NL Wins Leader: Three Finger Brown (20)
• NL ERA Leader: Jack Pfiester (1.15)

1908

• NL Wins Leader: Three Finger Brown (29)
• NL ERA Leader: Three Finger Brown (1.47)

2016

• NL MVP: Kris Bryant
• World Series MVP: Ben Zobrist
• NLCS Co-MVP: Jon Lester and Javier Baez
• Manager of the Year: Joe Maddon (finished 2nd)

Chicago Cubs Team Records

Single Season Records

Best Regular Season Records

The 1906 Cubs’ .763 winning percentage remains the best in MLB history.

Worst Regular Season Records

All-Time Franchise Records

Overall Record (1876-Present)

• Total Games: 22,000+
• Overall Record: 11,000-10,500 (.512 winning percentage)
• World Series Championships: 3
• NL Pennants: 17
• Division Titles: 8
• Wild Card Berths: 3

Individual Single-Season Records

Batting Average (Qualified)

Home Runs

RBI

Pitching - Wins

Pitching - ERA (Qualified)

Strikeouts (Pitcher)

All-Time Career Records

Career Hits

Career Home Runs

Career RBI

Career Wins (Pitchers)

Retired Numbers

Note: Jackie Robinson’s #42 is retired throughout MLB.

Streaks and Notable Feats

Winning Streaks

• Longest Overall: 21 games (1935)
• Longest Home: 27 games (1880)
• Longest Road: 17 games (1935)

Losing Streaks

• Longest Overall: 14 games (1997, 2012)
• Longest Home: 13 games (1994)
• Longest Road: 16 games (1954)

Kerry Wood’s 20 Strikeout Game

May 6, 1998: Kerry Wood struck out 20 Houston Astros in just his fifth career start, tying the MLB record.

Playoff Records

Individual Playoff Records

Home Runs (Single Postseason): | Rank | Player | Year | Home Runs | |------|--------|------|-----------| | 1 | Kyle Schwarber | 2015 | 5 (injured most of season) | | 2 | Addison Russell | 2016 | 3 | | 3 | Anthony Rizzo | 2016 | 3 |

RBI (Single Postseason): | Rank | Player | Year | RBI | |------|--------|------|-----| | 1 | Addison Russell | 2016 | 14 | | 2 | Anthony Rizzo | 2016 | 10 | | 3 | Kris Bryant | 2016 | 8 |

Chicago Cubs Legendary Players

Baseball Hall of Famers

Ernie Banks (1977)

Position: Shortstop/First Base
Years: 1953-1971

“Mr. Cub” is the most beloved player in franchise history. Banks was known for his sunny disposition (“Let’s play two!”) and his powerful bat.

Career Stats: - Games: 2,528 - Hits: 2,583 - Home Runs: 512 (franchise record) - RBI: 1,636 (franchise record) - Batting Average: .274

Banks was a 14-time All-Star and won back-to-back MVP awards in 1958 and 1959, despite playing on losing teams.

Accolades: - 14x All-Star - 2x NL MVP (1958, 1959) - Gold Glove (1960) - “Let’s play two!” - his famous catchphrase

Banks’ number 14 is retired by the Cubs.

Ron Santo (2012)

Position: Third Base
Years: 1960-1973

Santo was a nine-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner. He was beloved by Cubs fans for his passion and later became a beloved broadcaster.

Career Stats: - Games: 2,126 - Hits: 2,171 - Home Runs: 337 - RBI: 1,290 - Batting Average: .277

Santo’s battle with diabetes (he lost both legs to the disease) and his emotional Hall of Fame election (posthumously in 2012) made him a symbol of perseverance.

Accolades: - 9x All-Star - 5x Gold Glove

Santo’s number 10 is retired by the Cubs.

Ryne Sandberg (2005)

Position: Second Base
Years: 1982-1994, 1996-1997

Sandberg transformed the second base position with his combination of power, defense, and speed. His 1984 season is one of the greatest in MLB history.

Career Stats: - Games: 2,151 - Hits: 2,386 - Home Runs: 282 - RBI: 1,061 - Stolen Bases: 344 - Batting Average: .285

Accolades: - 10x All-Star - 1984 NL MVP - 7x Gold Glove - 7x Silver Slugger

Sandberg’s number 23 is retired by the Cubs.

Billy Williams (1987)

Position: Left Field
Years: 1959-1974

“Sweet Swingin’ Billy” was a consistent force in the Cubs lineup for 16 seasons.

Career Stats: - Games: 2,213 - Hits: 2,510 - Home Runs: 392 - RBI: 1,353 - Batting Average: .296

Accolades: - 6x All-Star - 1972 NL Batting Title (.333) - 1961 Rookie of the Year

Williams’ number 26 is retired by the Cubs.

Ferguson Jenkins (1991)

Position: Pitcher
Years: 1966-1973, 1982-1983

Jenkins was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, combining durability with excellent control.

Career Stats: - Games: 401 - Wins: 167 - Strikeouts: 2,038 - ERA: 3.20

Accolades: - 3x All-Star - 1971 NL Cy Young Award (first Canadian winner) - 6x 20-game winner

Jenkins’ number 31 is retired by the Cubs (shared with Greg Maddux).

Greg Maddux (2014)

Position: Pitcher
Years: 1986-1992, 2004-2006

Maddux began his career with the Cubs before becoming one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history with Atlanta. He returned to Chicago to finish his career.

Career Stats (Cubs): - Games: 452 - Wins: 133 - Strikeouts: 1,756 - ERA: 3.15

Accolades: - 4x Cy Young Award (with Atlanta) - 8x All-Star - 18x Gold Glove

Cap Anson (1939)

Position: First Base
Years: 1876-1897

Anson was a star in the 19th century and managed the Cubs (then White Stockings/Colts) for 19 seasons. He was the first player to record 3,000 hits.

Career Stats: - Hits: 3,012 - Home Runs: 97 - RBI: 1,879 - Batting Average: .329

Three Finger Brown (1949)

Position: Pitcher
Years: 1903-1912, 1916

Brown was the ace of the 1907 and 1908 championship teams, known for his devastating curveball.

Career Stats: - Wins: 188 - ERA: 1.80 - Complete Games: 206

Frank Chance (1946)

Position: First Base/Manager
Years: 1898-1912

Chance managed the Cubs to their last two championships (1907, 1908) and was part of the famous “Tinker to Evers to Chance” combination.

Joe Tinker (1946)

Position: Shortstop
Years: 1902-1912

Part of the legendary double-play combination immortalized in “Baseball’s Sad Lexicon.”

Johnny Evers (1946)

Position: Second Base
Years: 1902-1913

The third member of the famous double-play combination.

Hack Wilson (1979)

Position: Outfield
Years: 1926-1931

Wilson set the MLB record with 191 RBI in 1930, a record that still stands.

Billy Herman (1975)

Position: Second Base
Years: 1931-1941

Herman was a 10-time All-Star and one of the best second basemen of the 1930s.

Andre Dawson (2010)

Position: Outfield
Years: 1987-1992

Dawson won the 1987 NL MVP award with the Cubs, hitting 49 home runs.

Bruce Sutter (2006)

Position: Pitcher
Years: 1976-1980

Sutter revolutionized the closer position with his split-finger fastball and won the 1979 Cy Young Award with the Cubs.

Other Franchise Legends

Sammy Sosa (1992-2004)

Position: Right Field

Sosa is the Cubs’ all-time home run leader and was the face of the franchise during the 1998 home run chase with Mark McGwire.

Career Stats (Cubs): - Games: 1,811 - Home Runs: 545 (franchise record) - RBI: 1,414

Kerry Wood (1998-2008, 2011-2012)

Position: Pitcher

Wood’s 20-strikeout game on May 6, 1998, is one of the most memorable performances in MLB history.

Career Stats (Cubs): - Strikeouts: 1,470 - Wins: 80 - 20-strikeout game (1998)

Mark Grace (1988-2000)

Position: First Base

Grace was a consistent hitter and excellent defensive first baseman.

Shawon Dunston (1985-1995, 1997)

Position: Shortstop

Dunston was a fan favorite known for his strong arm and speed.

Rick Sutcliffe (1984-1991)

Position: Pitcher

Sutcliffe went 16-1 after being acquired in 1984 and won the Cy Young Award.

Jake Arrieta (2013-2017)

Position: Pitcher

Arrieta was the 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner and threw a no-hitter in 2015 and 2016.

Anthony Rizzo (2012-2021)

Position: First Base

Rizzo was a key member of the 2016 championship team and a three-time All-Star.

Kris Bryant (2015-2021)

Position: Third Base/Outfield

Bryant was the 2015 NL Rookie of the Year and 2016 NL MVP, hitting the final out of the 2016 World Series.

Javier Baez (2014-2021)

Position: Infield

Baez was known for his incredible defensive plays and was a key member of the 2016 championship team.

Chicago Cubs Rivalries

Primary Rivalries

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cubs-Cardinals rivalry is one of the most intense in baseball, with both teams competing in the National League Central.

Historical Significance: - Oldest rivalry in the National League - First meeting: 1892 - Both teams have passionate fanbases throughout the Midwest - Competing for division titles in the NL Central era

Key Moments: - 2015 NLDS: Cubs defeated Cardinals 3-1 - 2016: Cubs won World Series; Cardinals missed playoffs - Multiple pennant races in the 1980s - Rivalry intensified with both teams winning championships (Cardinals 2006, 2011; Cubs 2016)

Chicago White Sox (Crosstown Classic)

The Cubs-White Sox rivalry is unique as both teams share the same city. The “Crosstown Classic” (or Windy City Series) features interleague play between the North Side (Cubs) and South Side (White Sox).

Key Moments: - 1906 World Series: White Sox defeated Cubs (“Hitless Wonders”) - 2008: White Sox won season series - 2016: Cubs won World Series; White Sox were rebuilding - Ongoing debate over which team represents Chicago

Other Rivalries

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers became a rival after moving to the National League in 1998, creating geographic proximity.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates and Cubs have had competitive matchups, particularly in the 2015 Wild Card game.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The teams have met in recent postseasons, creating tension between the clubs.

Rivalry Statistics

vs. St. Louis Cardinals

vs. Chicago White Sox

Chicago Cubs Stadium History

Wrigley Field (1916-Present)

Overview

Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball (after Fenway Park) and one of the most iconic venues in sports. The Cubs have played at Wrigley Field since 1916, making it the oldest ballpark where a team has played continuously.

Address: 1060 West Addison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60613

History and Names

Construction

Original Opening: April 23, 1914
Original Cost: $250,000
Architect: Zachary Taylor Davis
Original Purpose: Home of the Chicago Whales (Federal League)

The Cubs moved into the stadium in 1916 after the Federal League folded.

Capacity

• Current Capacity: 41,649
• Original Capacity: Approximately 14,000
• Highest Capacity: Approximately 40,000 (various renovations)

Iconic Features

The Ivy Wall: Planted in 1937 by Bill Veeck, the Boston ivy covers the outfield brick walls and is one of Wrigley’s defining features.

The Manual Scoreboard: The iconic manual scoreboard in center field has operated since 1937 and remains one of the last in MLB.

The Rooftops: Buildings beyond the outfield walls have rooftop seating, creating a unique Wrigleyville atmosphere.

The Neighborhood: Wrigley Field is nestled in a residential neighborhood (Wrigleyville), unique among MLB stadiums.

The Lights: Wrigley Field was the last MLB stadium to install lights (1988). The first night game was scheduled for August 8, 1988, but was rained out. The first official night game was August 9, 1988.

Renovations

The 1060 Project (2014-2019): - Complete reconstruction of bleachers - Addition of video boards (controversial among traditionalists) - New clubhouse facilities - Improved concessions and amenities - New office spaces - Cost: Over $750 million

Other Renovations: - 1988: Lights installed - 2005-2006: Bleacher expansion - 2014-2019: The 1060 Project

West Side Park (1885-1891, 1893-1915)

The Cubs played at West Side Park prior to moving to Wrigley Field.

Lakefront Park (1878-1884)

The team’s original home.

23rd Street Grounds (1874-1877)

The Cubs’ first professional ballpark.

Stadium Comparison

Wrigley Field Traditions

The Seventh-Inning Stretch

The singing of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch became a Wrigley Field tradition. Legendary broadcaster Harry Caray led the singing from the booth until his death in 1998.

The Bleacher Bums

The bleacher seats at Wrigley Field have a culture all their own, with passionate fans creating a party atmosphere.

The Hot Dog

Vienna Beef hot dogs are a Chicago tradition served at Wrigley Field.

Chicago Cubs Fanbase and Culture

Fanbase Demographics

The North Side

The Cubs represent Chicago’s North Side and the surrounding suburbs. Wrigley Field is located in the Lakeview neighborhood, known as Wrigleyville.

National Following

The Cubs have one of the largest national fanbases in baseball, partly due to: - WGN Superstation broadcasts (1980s-1990s) - The underdog appeal of the championship drought - The charm of Wrigley Field

The 2016 Effect

The 2016 World Series victory created a new generation of Cubs fans while rewarding long-suffering supporters.

Traditions and Celebrations

The Seventh-Inning Stretch

The tradition of singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at Wrigley Field: - Harry Caray led from 1982-1997 - Since 1998: Guest conductors (celebrities, former players) - Fans sing along with enthusiasm

“Go Cubs Go!”

The Steve Goodman song “Go Cubs Go” is played after every Cubs victory. Written in 1984, it became the team’s anthem.

Throwing Back Opponent Home Runs

When an opposing player hits a home run into the bleachers, fans throw the ball back onto the field - a tradition at Wrigley Field.

The W Flag

The “W” flag (white with a blue W) is raised after Cubs victories. The “L” flag is raised after losses.

The Curse and Superstitions

The Curse of the Billy Goat (1945-2016)

The legend that a Greek tavern owner cursed the Cubs after being ejected from Wrigley Field with his pet goat during the 1945 World Series.

The Bartman Incident

Steve Bartman became infamous after interfering with a foul ball in the 2003 NLCS. The incident became symbolic of Cubs misfortune until 2016.

The Goat Sacrifice

Various attempts to break the curse involving goats were made over the years.

Community and Neighborhood

Wrigleyville

The neighborhood around Wrigley Field transforms on game days: - Bars and restaurants fill with fans - Street vendors sell merchandise - Rooftop parties on surrounding buildings - Residential streets become pedestrian zones

Cubs Charities

• Youth baseball programs
• Education initiatives
• Community outreach
• Wrigley Field Community Fund

Mascots

Clark the Cub

The Cubs’ mascot, introduced in 2014, is a young bear who interacts with fans.

Media

Television

• Marquee Sports Network: Current regional broadcaster
• WGN: Historic broadcaster (1948-2019)
• Nationally: ESPN, FOX, TBS

Radio

• 670 The Score (WSCR): English flagship
• Univision Chicago: Spanish broadcasts

Broadcast Team

• Pat Hughes: Play-by-play radio
• Ron Coomer: Radio analyst
• Jon “Boog” Sciambi: Television play-by-play
• Jim Deshaies: Television analyst

Rivalry Culture

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals are the Cubs’ primary rival, with tension heightened by proximity and competition.

Chicago White Sox

The Crosstown Classic divides Chicago along North Side/South Side lines.

The 2016 Celebration

The Parade

November 4, 2016: An estimated 5 million people attended the Cubs’ championship parade in Chicago, the largest gathering in city history.

Generations of Fans

The 2016 victory was emotional for: - Fans who waited their entire lives - Generations of families who never saw a championship - Former players who came close - The entire city of Chicago

Ballpark Traditions

Rooftop Seats

Apartment buildings across from Wrigley Field offer rooftop viewing parties, a unique Cubs tradition.

Day Baseball

The Cubs played more day games than any other team for decades (due to the lack of lights until 1988).

The Hot Dog

The Chicago-style hot dog (Vienna beef, mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, celery salt, NO ketchup) is the ballpark staple.