The start of the MLB spring training season has begun, which means the crosstown showdown between Chicago’s two baseball teams will be in full swing again.
Chicago’s Cubs had the opening game of the spring training season against the New York Dodgers. They won the game 12-4.
On Saturday the 22nd, the Chicago White Sox played their first spring training game against the Cubs.
These two teams will meet for their first regular season game on May 16, 2025 at Wrigley Field.
The rivalry between these two teams runs back for centuries. The Chicago Cubs were founded as the Chicago White Stockings in 1870, joining the National League six years later.
The White Sox originated as the Sioux City Cornhuskers before Charles Comiskey, former baseball player and manager, bought them in 1894 and moved them to St. Paul, Minn. and named them the St. Paul Saints.
The Cubs were called the Orphans by the time Comiskey moved his baseball team back to Chicago. When it was announced that the new American League team in Chicago had been named the Chicago White Stockings, the final shot was taken.
The Orphans had their name changed to the Cubs in 1903, and the rivalry was solidified.
Though I am from the Northeastern part of the United States, I was raised on the North side of this argument. My father is from Indiana but has held Chicago sports near and dear to his heart his entire life.
I was raised inside of the Cubs Nation from across the country.
My childhood best friend, who lived on the same street as me for most of my elementary school years, was raised by a Red Sox-loving father. Despite this fact, I was able to influence her to my side of the MLB for a little while.
We were obsessed with “Bryzzo”, the duo composed of left-handed first baseman Anthony Rizzo, her favorite player, and Kris Bryant, a third baseman, who was my favorite.
I still have my Bryant #17 jersey to this day, even though he now plays for the Colorado Rockies.
In April of 2017, us girls and our fathers had the opportunity to go to Fenway Park in Boston for a Saturday game. We watched the Cubs beat the Red Sox 7-4. This is still the only MLB game I have seen to date, but it certainly won’t be my last. I hope to watch a Cubs v. White Sox game in Chicago before my time on Earth is over.