Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals
A century of blood, beer, and baseball battles for the heart of the Midwest.
The Chicago Cubs versus St. Louis Cardinals rivalry is one of the most storied and intense feuds in all of professional baseball history, spanning over a century of National League competition. Often cited as the oldest active rivalry in Major League Baseball, it pits two of the league's most historic franchises against one another in a battle for Midwest supremacy that transcends sports, deeply embedding itself into the cultural fabric of both Illinois and Missouri.
This rivalry is defined by geographic proximity, passionate fanbases, and a relentless struggle for divisional dominance. For decades, the outcome of every series between these two teams has carried weight far beyond the regular season standings, often serving as a de facto playoff preview and a barometer for which team truly rules the National League Central.
- League Affiliation
- National League
- Division
- National League Central
- Rivalry Status
- Active (Oldest in MLB)
- First Meeting Era
- Late 19th Century
- Total Meetings
- Over 2,300 games
Lore & Background
Throughout the mid-20th century, the rivalry reached fever pitch during pennant races that defined eras. Iconic moments include the 1967 season where both teams fought until the final day, and the legendary 1985 NLCS where the Cardinals eliminated the Cubs in a dramatic seven-game series. The hatred is mutual and deeply personal, fueled by decades of trading players who became heroes on one side and villains on the other, creating a narrative tapestry that fans have woven for generations.
In Their Own Story
The air at Wrigley Field hung thick with humidity and the scent of roasted peanuts as the bottom of the ninth approached. The score was tied, a familiar tension that had gripped Chicago since spring. In the dugout, the Cubs' manager watched the Cardinals' cleanup hitter step into the box, his eyes narrowing not just at the pitcher, but at the sea of red jerseys invading the visiting section. A roar erupted from the St. Louis faithful, a sound that seemed to vibrate through the ivy-covered brick walls. The pitch crossed the plate—a strike three call that sent the Cardinals' fans into a frenzy and the Cubs' faithful into a collective groan. It was another chapter in a book written over a century ago, where every at-bat felt less like a game and more like a skirmish for territory.
Reader's Guide
The origin of this rivalry lies in their shared history as original National League members, but it truly ignited during the early 1900s when both teams became consistent contenders. The geographic closeness—only about 300 miles apart—means fans often share family ties and social circles, turning every game into a personal family dispute at the dinner table.
The biggest clashes have occurred in high-stakes pennant races and playoff series. Notably, the 1964 season saw both teams battling to the wire for the NL crown, and the 2015 NL Wild Card Game delivered instant classic drama with a walk-off home run that silenced Wrigley. These moments are etched into the memory of fans who remember the specific dates and the emotional toll of defeat.
What makes this rivalry so fierce is the sheer volume of games played against each other and the consistent competitiveness of both franchises over a century. Unlike rivalries built on short bursts of dominance, this one has been sustained by mutual respect mixed with deep-seated animosity, ensuring that even a regular-season Tuesday night series in June feels like a championship decider.
Did You Know?
- Widely considered the oldest active rivalry in Major League Baseball history, dating back to 1892 when both franchises were charter members of the National League.
- For decades, these two teams were the only franchises in MLB history to have won more than 10 World Series titles each (St. Louis with 11, Chicago with 3).
- The rivalry has produced some of the most famous player trades in baseball history, instantly turning fan favorites into hated enemies overnight—most notably Stan Musial, who began his career with the Cubs organization b
- Home-field advantage is uniquely volatile here; because many fans travel between cities for work or family, split crowds often make neutral-site games feel like home games for both sides.