Chicago, Illinois is home to two Major League Baseball (MLB) teams: the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. The presence of two MLB teams in the same city is a relatively rare occurrence, with only a handful of other cities in the United States hosting multiple teams.
The Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox have a long and storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. The Cubs, also known as the “North Siders,” were founded in 1876 and have played at Wrigley Field since 1916. The White Sox, or “South Siders,” were founded in 1900 and have played at Guaranteed Rate Field (previously known as Comiskey Park) since 1991.
The origins of the Cubs and White Sox can be traced back to the National League (NL) and American League (AL), respectively. The NL was founded in 1876, and the Cubs were one of the original eight teams. The AL was founded in 1901, and the White Sox were one of the original eight teams.
The two teams have a heated rivalry that dates back to the early 1900s, with the “Crosstown Classic” series being played every year since interleague play began in 1997. The rivalry between the Cubs and White Sox is known as the “Windy City Showdown.”
The presence of two MLB teams in Chicago is a result of the city’s rich baseball history and the success of both teams over the years. Despite their long-standing rivalry, the Cubs and White Sox have both contributed to the popularity and success of baseball in Chicago, making it one of the premier baseball cities in the United States.