The Chicago Cubs history reflects one of baseball’s most storied journeys. As a cornerstone of the Chicago Cubs MLB franchise, they’ve inspired generations with their triumphs, setbacks, and unforgettable moments. From their early championships to their historic 2016 World Series victory, the Cubs’ enduring spirit continues to captivate fans across Chicago and beyond.
Established
1889
City
Chicago
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1889 – 1999 / National League
Team History
1903 – Present / Chicago Cubs
1889 – 1902 / Chicago Orphans
Nickname
Cubs – For any die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, the team’s nickname is integral to their identity. But where did this beloved moniker come from? Let's look at the Chicago Cubs history and origins of one of baseball's most iconic nicknames.
Chicago Cubs Origin
The Chicago Cubs have been known as “the Cubbies” since 1876, when they were first established as a professional team in the National League (NL). The name was derived from their location in Chicago and their young players. At that time, many teams had animal nicknames like tigers or bears to signify strength and power on the field; however, due to its youthful roster full of inexperienced players, it made more sense for them to be called cubs instead!
In 1902 Edward Gremminger wrote about his experience attending games at West Side Park stadium: “From far away I could hear faint cries…of 'Cubs' which came echoing down through alleys and streets until it reached my ears." This phrase quickly caught on with fans who began using it regularly whenever referring to their favorite team - thus constantly solidifying its place in history!
Over time other variations such as "Cubbies" or "North Siders" have become popular amongst supporters, but ultimately, nothing beats good old-fashioned "Cubs." So next time you cheer your heart out during the game day - remember just how unique this nickname is!
Championship
World Series 3
2016, 1908, 1907
Stadium
1927 – Present / Wrigley Field
1920 – 1926 / Cubs Park
1916 – 1920 / Weeghman Park
1893 – 1915 / West Side Park II
1885 – 1891 / West Side Park I
Owner
2009 – Present / Joe Ricketts Family Trust
1981 – 2009 / Tribune Company
1977 – 1981 / William Wrigley III
1932 – 1977 / Philip K. Wrigley
1921 – 1932 / William Wrigley, Jr.
1921 – 1981 / The Wrigley Family
1916 – 1921 / Charles Weeghman
1914 – 1916 / Charles Phelps Taft
1905 – 1914 / Charles W. Murphy
1902 – 1905 / James Hart
1882 – 1902 / Albert G. Spalding
1870 – 1882 / William A. Hulbert
- 1902
- 1907
- 1908
- 1981
- 2003
- 2009
- 2016
-
New Nickname Cubs
The name “Cubs” first appeared in print in 1902 and gained popularity over the next four years, before becoming the sole nickname in 1906. -
World Series Winner 1907
The 1907 World Series featured the Chicago Cubs and the Detroit Tigers, with the Cubs winning the Series four games to none (with one tie) for their first championship. -
World Series Winner 1908
The 1908 World Series matched the defending champion Chicago Cubs against the Detroit Tigers in a rematch of the 1907 Series. In this first-ever rematch of this young event, the Cubs won in five games for their second consecutive title. -
Chicago Tribune Take Control
P.K. Wrigley died in 1977. The Wrigley family sold the team to the Chicago Tribune in 1981, ending a 65-year family relationship with the Cubs. -
Bartman Incident
The Steve Bartman incident occurred during a Major League Baseball playoff game between the Chicago Cubs and the Florida Marlins on October 14, 2003, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. In the eighth inning of Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, with Chicago ahead 3–0 and holding 3 games to 2 lead in the best of 7 series, several ... -
Ricketts New Owner
The Ricketts family acquired a majority interest in the Cubs in 2009, ending the Tribune years. Apparently handcuffed by the Tribune’s bankruptcy and the sale of the club to the Ricketts family, the Cubs’ quest for an NL Central 3-peat started with notice that there would be less invested into contracts than in previous years. -
World Series Winner 2016
The 2016 World Series was the 112th edition of Major League Baseball’s championship series, a best-of-seven playoff between the National League (NL) champion Chicago Cubs and the American League (AL) champion Cleveland Indians, the first meeting of those franchises in postseason history. The Indians had a home-field advantage because the AL had won the 2016 All-Star Game. The Cubs defeated ...
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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Chicago Cubs History
The Chicago Cubs history stands as one of the most celebrated stories in baseball. Formerly known as the Chicago Orphans, the franchise is among the oldest in Chicago Cubs MLB history, dating back to 1876. Over the decades, their journey has included remarkable highs and unforgettable challenges that have shaped the legacy of this iconic team.
The Chicago Cubs history began as the Chicago White Stockings, an independent professional team, before joining the National League during its inaugural 1876–77 season. Sportswriters soon started calling them the Chicago Orphans, noting that their young players looked like “cubs” at play. This nickname eventually became official. In 1906, under manager Frank Chance, the Cubs captured four straight National League pennants from 1906 to 1910.
During this dominant stretch, the team claimed its first World Series title in 1907 against Ty Cobb’s Detroit Tigers, setting a then-record with 116 wins. They followed up with another championship in 1908 by defeating the Cleveland Indians. The famous “Tinker to Evers to Chance” double play combination from that era is still immortalized in the Hall of Fame, highlighting a golden chapter in Chicago Cubs history.
Cubs Achievements
Between 1910 and 1945, the Cubs experienced frequent managerial changes and struggled to return to championship form. However, in 1945, Phil Cavarretta emerged as a star, leading the team back to the postseason and earning the NL MVP award. The Cubs made another World Series appearance that year, once again facing the Detroit Tigers, but fell short of claiming another title despite an impressive run.
From that point, the team endured decades of playoff droughts. Yet, notable stars such as Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg, and the beloved broadcaster Harry Caray kept the franchise’s spirit alive. Transitioning through eras of near misses, including heartbreaking losses like the 2003 NLCS, the Chicago Cubs MLB franchise continued to inspire hope in its fans.
Finally, after a long wait, the Cubs broke their championship drought in 2016 by defeating the Cleveland Indians in an unforgettable seven-game World Series. This victory restored glory to the Chicago Cubs history and cemented their status as one of baseball’s most beloved and resilient franchises, ensuring their story will be celebrated for generations to come.
Sports Fan Products
Chicago Cubs Team History: Shocking Facts You Never Knew!
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2024 Central National League Highlights - Best Plays, and Top Moments
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Retired Number
10 / Ron Santo
14 / Ernie Banks
23 / Ryne Sandberg
26 / Billy Williams
31 / Ferguson Jenkins
31 / Greg Maddux
42 / Jackie Robinson
*Blue is this team’s history