The History of the Chicago Cubs

Early Beginnings

The Chicago Cubs started in 1876 as one of the first teams in professional baseball. They were first called the Chicago White Stockings. Later, they became the Colts, then the Orphans, and finally in 1903, they became the Cubs. They played their games at West Side Park before moving to Wrigley Field in 1916. Wrigley Field is now the second-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.

Golden Era

The Cubs were one of the best teams in baseball during the early 1900s. They won the World Series in 1907 and 1908 with players like Frank Chance, Joe Tinker, and Johnny Evers. These players were famous for their teamwork and were mentioned in a famous poem called "Baseball's Sad Lexicon."

The Cubs continued to be successful in the 1920s and 1930s. They had great players like Hack Wilson, who set a record with 191 RBIs in 1930, and Gabby Hartnett, who was known as one of the best catchers in baseball history.

Challenging Years

After appearing in the 1945 World Series, the Cubs went through a long period without winning a championship. For many years, they struggled to reach the playoffs. Despite this, fans continued to fill Wrigley Field to watch the team play.

During this time, the Cubs had many famous players. Ernie Banks, known as "Mr. Cub," played for the team from 1953 to 1971. He was famous for saying "Let's play two!" showing how much he enjoyed baseball. Other great players included Ron Santo, Billy Williams, and Fergie Jenkins.

The Modern Era

In the 1980s, the Cubs began to improve. In 1984, they made it to the playoffs with players like Ryne Sandberg and Rick Sutcliffe. Wrigley Field got lights in 1988, allowing night games for the first time.

The Cubs continued to have talented players in the 1990s and 2000s, like Sammy Sosa, Kerry Wood, and Mark Prior. In 2003, they came close to making it to the World Series but fell short.

Championship Success

The Cubs went through big changes starting in 2009 when the Ricketts family bought the team. They hired Theo Epstein as president of baseball operations in 2011. He helped build a team with young talented players like Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez.

In 2016, the Cubs finally ended their long wait for a championship. They won the World Series, beating the Cleveland Indians in a thrilling seven-game series. It was their first World Series victory since 1908, ending a 108-year wait that was the longest in major American sports.

Recent Years

Since their championship, the Cubs have continued to be competitive. They've made the playoffs several times and remain one of baseball's most popular teams. Wrigley Field has been renovated while keeping its historic charm.

The Chicago Cubs have one of the richest histories in baseball. From their early success to their long wait for another championship, they have remained one of the most beloved teams in sports.