Chicago Cubs

Lore & Background

The rivalry was forged when both franchises anchored the National League in New York. The Brooklyn Dodgers (then Superbas or Bridegrooms) and the Chicago Cubs faced off frequently, establishing a competitive baseline that survived the Great Migration of baseball teams in the late 19th century. When the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles in 1958, they carried this history west, creating a unique dynamic where two historic powers met annually despite the geography.

For decades, the Cubs became synonymous with heartbreak under the 'Curse of the Billy Goat,' while the Dodgers endured their own agony before finding sustained success. Though playoff meetings were rare in the 1970s and 80s as both teams fought for division titles, the rivalry intensified during modern postseason clashes featuring legends like Sandy Koufax facing Cubs aces, and sluggers like Ernie Banks trading blows on the diamond.

The feud reignited dramatically with recent playoff meetings, including the 2016 NL Wild Card Game where the Cubs advanced to end their long championship drought. Despite the distance, the mutual respect and competitive fire remain intact, symbolizing two of the most storied franchises in National League history battling for relevance.

In Their Own Story

The air at Wrigley Field was thick with humidity and the scent of old vinyl seats. It was a crisp October evening, the kind that makes the ivy on the outfield walls seem to glow under the stadium lights. A Dodgers pitcher stood on the mound, his shadow stretching long across the chalk line, facing a Cubs batter who gripped the bat with white-knuckled intensity. The scoreboard flickered, showing a tie game in the late innings. In the stands, a sea of blue and red clashed, a visual representation of a century-long war. The pitcher wound up, his motion a perfect arc of history, from Ebbets Field to Dodger Stadium to this very spot on Chicago soil. As the ball left his hand, spinning white against the dark sky, it carried the weight of two cities' expectations toward home plate.

Reader's Guide

The origins of the Dodgers-Cubs rivalry trace back to their shared history as New York franchises before the Dodgers' move west in 1958. For decades, they were the two most prominent teams in the National League, often battling for division titles and playoff spots. The rivalry gained significant momentum during the 1970s and 1980s when both teams were perennial contenders, leading to several memorable National League Championship Series matchups.

One of the biggest clashes occurred in the 2016 NL Wild Card Game, where the Cubs defeated the Dodgers to advance to the playoffs, eventually ending their 108-year championship drought. This game highlighted the intense competition between the two franchises and reignited fan interest in their historical feud. Another notable series took place in the 1980s, where both teams featured star players like Sandy Koufax and Ernie Banks, making every encounter a spectacle of baseball excellence.

What makes this rivalry fierce is the deep-rooted history and mutual respect between two franchises that have consistently produced some of the game's greatest talent. Unlike many rivalries driven by geographic proximity, this one is fueled by legacy, with both teams vying for supremacy in the National League. The contrast between the Cubs' long struggles and the Dodgers' recent dominance adds another layer of intrigue, making every matchup a battle not just for wins, but for historical significance.

Did You Know?

• Both franchises originated in New York City (Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs) before relocating to Los Angeles and Chicago respectively.
• The rivalry features historic matchups between legends like Sandy Koufax, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Ryne Sandberg.
• In 2016, the Cubs defeated the Dodgers in the NL Wild Card Game en route to breaking their 108-year World Series drought.
• Despite being on opposite coasts, they remain two of the most valuable and successful franchises in National League history.