The Cubs/ Sox rivalry has been a defining aspect of Chicago culture for the past century. Every year these two teams meet for six games and the fans ignite the city with the rivalry once more. Although the “frenemy” organizations are both native Chicago teams, they have two very different groups of fans.
Cubs Fans: The Cubs fans know how to party. Generally you don’t see too many fans going to the games that aren’t looking for a good time. Cubs fans don’t go to see the Cubs play (well most of them don’t), but are rather looking to enjoy the game with fellow Cubs fans. Wrigley field is also a prime location and draws many tourists each year. Most of the fans that attend the games are upper/middle class, and many of the fans are classified as the “northsiders.”
Sox Fans: The Sox fans couldn’t be more different. These fans that are often times regarded to as the “southsiders.” They often attend the games to actually watch the game and enjoy the surroundings. These games are also much more laid back because the stadium typically doesn’t get to capacity. US Cellular field is an extremely nice playing field and offers good food, family and tradition.
Summer Games: As both teams have very different fans and franchises, they oftentimes butt heads. Every summer when the two teams go head to head, the stadiums get packed with fans that are looking for a good game and for things to get heated. One memorable game was when these teams two faced each other in 2006. A brawl broke out after catcher Michael Barrett (of the Cubs) punched AJ Pryzinski (Sox) in the face. I was at this game and it was one of the most intense fights I have ever seen. Another interesting time was when Carlos Zambrano, of the Cubs, had a mental breakdown and proceeded to yell at his fellow teammates when playing the Sox. There have been many memorable incidences, and as long as both franchises stay in Chicago, the friendly war will continue.
History: The rivalry between these two teams is rooted all the way back to when the Sox first came to Chicago. The Cubs had already been Chicago’s main team, but the Sox team owner Charles Comiskey moved his team, the St. Paul Saints, to Chicago. The Cubs owner was upset and filed a suit, but Comiskey won under the conditions that his team didn’t have the Chicago name in the title. Comiskey’s team was renamed the White Stockings. The rivalry began ever since. The only time these two teams met in the World Series was in 1906, when the Sox beat the Cubs.
Whether you are a Cubs or Sox fan, attend the games to party or to enjoy baseball, this rivalry exemplifies what it means to be a Chicagoan. Chicago fans have heart, and essentially it doesn’t matter what baseball team you are cheering for. Although these two teams haven’t impressed this year (the Cubs are 39-60 and the Sox are 47-51), the two organizations will continue to make Chicago baseball a worthwhile experience. Whether or not our teams are winning or losing, the fans will remain loyal until the end.