Chicago is a U.S. city that has teams from five major American professional team sports. The city has two major league Baseball teams i.e., The Chicago Cubs of the National League, which plays in the Wrigley Field on the north side, and The Chicago White Sox of the American League, which plays in Guaranteed Rule Field on the south side.
But have you ever thought Why does Chicago have two Baseball teams?
Why Does Chicago Have 2 Baseball Teams?
Chicago is fortunate to have two winning major league baseball teams. But why? National League is one of the oldest of two leagues in the U.S. After 25 years, the American League is founded and is called the “Junior Circuit”.
After two years of conflict in the “Baseball War”, the two leagues agreed in a “Peace Pact” to recognize each other as the major leagues. Thus, now Chicago has two teams playing for the two major leagues, i.e., The Chicago Cubs and The Chicago White Sox.
What is the History of Chicago Cubs?
The Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley field, i.e., the second-oldest Major League Baseball ballpark in the nation, in the heart of Wrigleyville neighborhood.
The Cubs is the oldest team that plays continuously in Chicago since the formation of the National League in 1876. The team is the former MLB team that never changed its city. They played in Chicago since 1871 continuously.
They have played more games and scored more runs than any other team in the MLB since 1876. They have won three World Series titles and are fifth among National League teams with 16 pennants.
They won the sport’s title for the first time since 1908, a drought of 108 years. They participated in a World Series for the first time since 1945, a drought of 71 years.
What are Special Things About Wrigley Field?
Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark in the United States, opened in 1914.
There is a stunning space adorned with iconic ivy-covered outfield and the historic scoreboard that is still operated by hand. It is one of the very few incredible venues in the world of professional sports.
You can take the tour of the ground and the press box by getting into the field and clubhouses. You can find nearly 100 years of history behind the stadium walls.
What are the Traditions of Chicago Cubs?
- Raise the Flag: The team started this tradition in 1937. If any game won by the cubs on their home field, then they marked it with the hoisting of white flag adorned with giant ‘W’ in blue color.
- Go Cubs Go: “Go cubs Go!” in Steve Goodman’s tune has become the Cubs official victory song in 1984. While Cubs players are congratulating each other and the fans cheer them in the stand by hearing this victory song.
- The Ivy Rule: In 1937, Willian Veeck, the president of Cubs, planted Wrigley Field as the major league baseball park on the outfield walls with ivy. If the outfielder raises his hand for signaling his failure of not finding the ball or when the ball is caught in the ivy, then it is an automatic ground-rule double. If the defender attempts to get the ball out of the ivy, then no ground-rule double will be ruled.
- The Rooftop Viewing: Tall residential buildings are unique about the Wrigley Field behind the stadium. It has a view onto the ballpark. During home games, many of the rooftops offer tickets with food and beverages, and revenues are shared with the Cubs.
- Gameday at the Park: On the gamedays, ticket holders lounge in the sun and drink local brews and also, watch game highlights on the giant video board.
What is the History of Chicago White Sox?
The Chicago White Sox of the American League is the team that plays on the south side of Chicago. It is played in the Guaranteed Rate Field in the Bridgeport neighborhood.
The team played in Chicago since the formation of the American League in 1900. They have won the three World Series titles in 1906, 1917, 2005, and six American pennants, including the one in 1901. The White Sox are fifth in American League in all-time wins and sixth in pennants.
It is ranked as the number one in offering the best fan’s experience in the stadium. After every White Sox home run, fireworks are another fun tradition that lights up in the sky. When the White Sox play against the Cubs for hometown bragging rights, then the Summertime Crosstown Classic is one of the hottest tickets sell in Chicago.
What are Special Things About Guaranteed Rule Field?
There are many things to do and see, including visiting the two-tiered CIBC fan deck for a panoramic view of the playing field. There is a stop at the goose island craft kave, a two-tiered open aircraft brew oasis located on field level gate no. 2.
There is Xfinity kid’s zone of 15000 square feet located in a left-field featuring a youth-sized whiffle ball diamond, and a multi-level indoor/outdoor restaurant, and a bar situated inside gate no. 5.
You can have a selfie with one of the greats at White Sox Sculpture Plaza. There are statues of Minnie Minoso, Carlton Fisk, Charles Comiskey, Luis Aparicio, Nellie Fox, Billy Pierce, Harold Baines, Frank Thomas, and Paul Konerko in the field. The White Sox have a rich sports history, high ballpark menu, and Cuban tradition that reflects in its players.
What are the Traditions of Chicago White Sox?
- Nicknames: White Sox has received nicknames over the years. The following are the nicknames acquired with several years:
“Hitless Wonders” in 1906
“Black Sox” in 1919
“Go-Go White Sox” in 1956
“South Side Hitmen” in 1977
“Winning Ugly White Sox” in 1983 - Mascots: From 1961 to 1991, Andrew Rozdilsky was the unofficial mascot “Andy, The Clown” for the White Sox at the original Comiskey Park. He was not permitted to perform after 1991 when the new Comiskey Park opened. In 2004, the team’s new mascot, “The Southpaw” was introduced to attract young fans.
- Theme Song: Several songs are associated with White Sox but the Pitbull’s song “Don’t stop the party” which is played over the loudspeakers after every White Sox home run at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Final Thoughts
Chicago has two major baseball playing teams on both sides i.e., north and south. But Why does Chicago have two baseball teams?
Due to the formation of the American League as one of the major baseball leagues, Chicago also has two baseball-playing teams like any other city in the U.S.
