Why Does Chicago Have Two Professional Baseball Teams?

Who’s your team… Cubs or Sox? Since they’re both Chicago teams, you’d think you’d be a fan of both. But locals know that’s not the case. That begs the question… why does Chicago have two baseball teams anyway?

When it comes to having great things, sometimes one is not enough. Chicago’s long history of hosting local baseball teams goes back to the early nineteenth century. Over the years, as the professional leagues became more organized, many of the city's local teams phased out. However, two significant franchises prevailed, with each having a strong enough presence to make the cut.

North Side Cubs

In 1876, The Chicago White Stockings joined the National League, finishing in first place six times during their infancy. At the turn of the century, the team changed their name from the Colts to the Orphans and, eventually, to the Cubs (a nickname from a local journalist commenting on the team’s young players.) In 1907, the team won their first World Series and, in 1908, became the first team to win back-to-back championships. Unfortunately, their streak - and luck - did not continue. The Cubs’ World Series drought lasted 108 years until 2016 – now hailed as the most iconic year in the team’s history. Today, the beloved “North Side” Chicago Cubs still play at Wrigley Field.

South Side White Sox

In 1894, Charles Comiskey brought his newly-purchased Sioux City Cornhuskers minor league baseball team to Minnesota where they became known as the St. Paul Saints. Then, in 1900, the team relocated to Comiskey’s hometown in Illinois and became the Chicago White Stockings (the former name of the Chicago Cubs). The team had a brief stint in the National League before officially joining the American League (originally known as the “Junior Circuit”) one year later. The White Stockings quickly gained steam and popularity. After shortening their name in 1904, they won their first World Series in 1906 against their cross-town rivals. Today, the “South Side” Chicago White Sox play at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Major News: The Leagues Become One

In 1903, the American and National Leagues started what was known as the “baseball war,” each attempting to become the country’s foremost baseball organization. Because both leagues had spent several years operating as independent organizations, neither was willing to give up their authority. So, they compromised by merging together to establish what is now known as Major League Baseball (MLB). This truce created the World Series, matching the leagues’ top two teams in an annual championship tournament. Because the city of Chicago had a team in each league, both the Cubs and White Sox have retained their professional status for over a century.

Legacies are important to us – that’s why we love learning about the history of our home teams. Whether you root for the Cubs or Sox, you’re in it for the long haul. And, when you shop at Penny Mustard, you’re guaranteed to find a piece of sophisticated furniture that will give the longevity of both teams a *run* for their money.

For the Penny Mustard story, tips from our specialists, or to find your next favorite heirloom, sign up for our newsletter.