The Chicago Cubs are one of the oldest and Most historic franchises in professional sports. Founded in 1870 as the Chicago White Stockings and a charter member of the National League in 1876, the Cubs are the oldest continuously operating major professional sports franchise in North America that has remained in the same city throughout its existence.
Every Home City the Cubs Have Claimed
Unlike many franchises that relocated across the country, the Cubs have had only one home city:
Years
City
1870–Present
Chicago
The franchise has played continuously in Chicago for more than 155 years. Their ballparks changed several times, but the city never did. Home Ballparks
Years
Ballpark
1874–1877
23rd Street Grounds
1878–1884
Lake Front Park
1885–1890
West Side Park
1891–1893
South Side Park
1893–1915
West Side Grounds
1916–Present
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field has been the Cubs’ home since 1916, meaning the team has played there for over 110 years. It is the second-oldest active Major League Baseball stadium, behind Fenway Park.
Team Names Through History
Years
Name
1870–1889
Chicago White Stockings
1890–1897
Chicago Colts
1898–1902
Chicago Orphans
1903–Present
Chicago Cubs
The “Orphans” nickname appeared after legendary player-manager Cap Anson departed the club. Newspapers gradually began calling the young team the “Cubs,” and the name stuck.
Cubs World Series Appearances
The Cubs have appeared in 11 World Series.
Year
Opponent
Result
1906
Chicago White Sox
Lost
1907
Detroit Tigers
Won
1908
Detroit Tigers
Won
1910
Philadelphia Athletics
Lost
1918
Boston Red Sox
Lost
1929
Philadelphia Athletics
Lost
1932
New York Yankees
Lost
1935
Detroit Tigers
Lost
1938
New York Yankees
Lost
1945
Detroit Tigers
Lost
2016
Cleveland Guardians
Won
World Series Championships
The Cubs have won three World Series titles:
1907
1908
2016
The 2016 championship ended a 108-year title drought, the longest in major North American professional sports history.
The 10 Greatest Cubs Players
(These rankings are subjective, but most historians place these legends near the top).
1. Ernie Banks, “Mr. Cub.” Played 1953–1971.
2. Ryne Sandberg, One of the greatest second basemen ever.
3. Cap Anson, The franchise’s first superstar.
4. Fergie Jenkins, First Canadian Hall of Famer.
5. Ron Santo
6. Billy Williams
7. Sammy Sosa
8. Gabby Hartnett
9. Mordecai Brown
10. Kris Bryant
Many historians would also include Anthony Rizzo, Greg Maddux, and Joe Tinker.
10 Future Stars the Cubs Let Get Away
Several players became far bigger stars after leaving Chicago.
Player
Traded By Cubs
Became Star With
Lou Brock
1964
St. Louis Cardinals
Greg Maddux
Left as free agent
Atlanta Braves
Rafael Palmeiro
Trade
Texas Rangers
Joe Carter
Trade
Cleveland Guardians
Dennis Eckersley
Trade Oakland Athletics
Rafael Palmeiro
Trade
Texas Rangers
Josh Donaldson
Trade
Oakland Athletics
Kyle Schwarber
Non-tendered
Philadelphia Phillies
Eloy Jimenez
Trade
Chicago White Sox
Gleyber Torres
Trade
New York Yankees
D.J. LeMahieu
Trade
Colorado Rockies
The Lou Brock trade remains one of the most criticized deals in baseball history. Brock became a Hall of Famer and helped the Cardinals win multiple pennants and World Series titles.
Interesting Cubs Facts
The Cubs won 116 games in 1906, still tied for the most victories in a modern MLB season
They were the first team to win consecutive World Series championships (1907–1908).
Wrigley Field’s famous ivy was planted in 1937.
The Cubs went 108 years between World Series titles (1908–2016).
Their all-time record is above .500 despite many decades of frustration.
No franchise in baseball has played more games than the Cubs.
For more than a century and a half, the Cubs have remained a symbol of baseball tradition. From the White Stockings of the 1870s, to the powerhouse teams of Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance, to Ernie Banks’ “Let’s play two,” and finally the dramatic 2016 championship, the Cubs’ story is one of the richest and most enduring in American sports history.
Artie Fischal
