Chicago is a city divided by many things—pizza styles, neighborhoods, and, most passionately, baseball. The White Sox and Cubs rivalry, often called the Crosstown Classic, is a storied feud that captures the heart of the Windy City. Whether you're a South Sider cheering for the Sox or a North Sider waving the Cubs' "W" flag, this rivalry is more than just baseball—it's about identity, pride, and bragging rights.
A Tale of Two Teams
The Chicago White Sox, based at Guaranteed Rate Field on the South Side,
represent grit, hustle, and a blue-collar ethos. Founded in 1901, they've had
their share of highs (like the 2005 World Series win) and lows (the infamous
1919 Black Sox scandal). Their fans are fiercely loyal, often viewing the team
as the city's underdog.
Across town, the Chicago Cubs play at the historic Wrigley Field on the
North Side. Known for their ivy-covered walls and day-game tradition, the Cubs
embody a more nostalgic, almost romanticized version of baseball. Their 2016
World Series victory ended a 108-year drought, cementing their place in
baseball lore. Cubs fans are known for their optimism, even in the face of
decades of heartbreak.
The Crosstown Classic
The rivalry truly heated up when interleague play began in 1997, allowing
the Sox and Cubs to face off regularly during the season. The Crosstown
Classic (or Crosstown Showdown) typically features six games each
year, split between the two ballparks. These games are electric, with sellout
crowds, trash-talking fans, and a palpable intensity on the field.
Memorable Moments
- 2008: The
Black-and-Blue Series - The Sox swept the Cubs at
Wrigley, with Jim Thome's home run sealing the deal. South Side fans still
talk about it.
- 2016: Cubs'
Redemption Year - Even as the Cubs marched toward their World Series title, the Sox
took 3 of 4 games in their matchups, giving Sox fans something to cheer
about.
- 2020: Pandemic
Showdown - In a shortened season, the teams split their series, but the
games at Wrigley under COVID restrictions felt surreal, with cardboard
cutouts in the stands.
By the Numbers (as of 2025)
- All-Time Record: The White Sox
lead the regular-season series slightly, with roughly 75 wins to the Cubs'
70 (exact numbers vary by source).
- World Series
Titles: Cubs have 3 (1907, 1908, 2016); Sox have 3 (1906, 1917, 2005).
- Fan Base Split: Surveys
suggest that Chicago has roughly 60% Cubs fans and 40% Sox fans, though South
Siders argue that their fans are more dedicated.
What Fuels the Rivalry?
The Sox-Cubs divide is as much cultural as it is athletic. The South Side
is often seen as working-class, diverse, and scrappy, while the North Side is
viewed as wealthier, trendier, and tourist-friendly. These stereotypes play out
in fan banter:
- Sox fans call
Cubs supporters "yuppies" who only show up for Wrigley's vibe.
- Cubs fans mock
the Sox's ballpark as a "concrete jungle" and claim their team
has more heart.
Geography aside, the rivalry thrives because both teams have had moments
of glory and struggle. Neither has dominated the other consistently, keeping
the competition fierce. With Chicago's sports media fanning the flames,
every series feels like a citywide referendum.
The 2025 Season: What to Expect
As of May 17, 2025, both teams want to rebound from uneven 2024
campaigns. The White Sox, under new management, are leaning on young talent
like Luis Robert Jr. and a revamped pitching staff. The Cubs, meanwhile, are
banking on veterans like Cody Bellinger and a bolstered bullpen to push for the
playoffs.
The first Crosstown series 2025 is slated for June, and fans are
already circling the dates. Will the Sox's speed and defense outmatch the Cubs'
power hitting? Or will Wrigley's magic give the Cubs the edge? One thing's
sure: Chicago will be watching.
Beyond the Game
The rivalry extends beyond the diamond. Local bars host watch parties
where Sox and Cubs fans trade jabs. Social media shows memes and hot takes during each series, especially on X. Even non-baseball fans get swept
up in the debate: Are you Sox or Cubs?
For lifelong Chicagoans, choosing a side is like picking a family. You
might inherit your allegiance from your parents or select a team based on your
neighborhood. But once you're in, there's no turning back.
Final Thoughts
The White Sox vs. Cubs rivalry is more than a sports contest—it celebrates Chicago's diversity, passion, and love for baseball. Whether
you're chanting "Sweet Caroline" at Wrigley or blasting "Sweet
Home Chicago" at Guaranteed Rate, the Crosstown Classic reminds you that baseball is personal in this city.
So, grab your cap, pick your side, and prepare for this epic showdown's next chapter. Chicago wouldn't have it any other way.
What's your take on the Sox-Cubs rivalry? Share your thoughts or your
favorite Crosstown memory!