1902
The Chicago Daily News first referred to the team as the Cubs in 1902.
1907
Won their first World Series, defeating the Detroit Tigers in five games.
1870
The team was originally called the White Stockings before becoming the Colts and eventually the Cubs.
1937
The year the famous ivy was added to the outfield wall (it wasn't always there).
1914
The current ballpark opened as Weeghman Park, home to the Chicago Whales of the short-lived Federal League.
1903
The team was nicknamed The Cubs as a nod to it's roster of young and inexperienced players.
1988
Lights were installed for the first time. At the time, the Cubs played the most day games in baseball, making them a national daytime TV staple.
1916
The Cubs had a live bear cub mascot named Joa, briefly kept at the park. His name was derived from the initials of Chicago meatpacking mogul J. Ogden Armour.
Last Lights, Earliest to Broadcast
The Cubs were the last MLB team to add lights, but one of the first to broadcast games regularly on TV via WGN.
Ballpark to Barracks
During World War II, the ballpark was nearly converted into a military barracks and training center.
The Bill Murray Experience
Bill Murray is a part-owner of a minor league affiliate in the Chicago area and is known to randomly show up at games and interact with fans.
1921 - 1951
The Cubs spent spring training on Catalina Island off California — players had to travel by boat to get there.
2015
Legendary southpaw Jon Lester joined the Cubs, helping them win the 2016 World Series.
Classic Cubs Colors
Cubs' team colors are blue, red and white, but also incorporated brown in the early days.
1898
The team was nicknamed The Orphans after longtime manager Cap Anson's departure, which essentially left the team abandoned.
2012 - 2021
All-star first baseman Anthony Rizzo played for the Cubs and was a key leader in the 2016 World Series win.
Mr. Cub
Two-time MVP, Hall-of-Famer and eternal optimist Ernie Banks was known worldwide as Mr. Cub.
Bleacher Traditions
Home to the Bleacher Bums, the bleachers are known for their colorful traditions, like throwing opposing home run balls back onto the field.
Windy City Showdown
The Cubs–White Sox rivalry is often called the Windy City Showdown, pitting North Side (Cubs) vs. South Side (White Sox).
1914
The current stadium opened as Weeghman Park. The Cubs played their first game there in 1914.
1876
The team became a charter member of the National League.
1907
The team officially adopted the Cubs name.
1890s
The team was known as the Colts.
1921
The team came under management of a prominent chewing-gum mogul.
1933
Cubs Gabby Hartnett, Woody English and Lon Warneke played in the inaugural All-Star Game.
11 Appearances
They have appeared in 11 World Series overall.
National League Pennants
The Cubs franchise has won 17 National League pennants.
2006
The stadium was featured in the movie, The Break-Up.
Cubs Wins Leader
Most wins by a Cubs pitcher: Ferguson Jenkins – 284.
Home of the Bleacher Bums
The lively fans in the bleachers are commonly referred to as Bleacher Bums.
Wind Factor
The Cubs play in one of the few MLB parks where the lakefront wind dramatically impacts gameplay – players often check flags more than stats.
1941
The Cubs were the first MLB team to install a permanent organ for music during games.
1988
The first home night game was played August 9.
First Night Game
The Cubs' first night game was scheduled against the Philadelphia Phillies on 8/8/88 but the baseball gods rained it out. Thus, the first official night game was played Aug. 9 vs. the New York Mets.
Spring Training
The Cubs have hosted Cactus League games in Mesa, Arizona since 1952, the longest-running spring training relationship in MLB.
1919
The Cubs played a shortened season due to WWI.
1945
The Curse of the Billy Goat started.
1908 - 2016
The Cubs' World Series drought lasted 108 years. It was the longest championship drought in American professional sports history.
1962
Cubs played the first MLB game on synthetic turf in spring training.
Franchise History
The Cubs have played over 20k games since the franchise began.
Historic Field
Built in 1914, the Cubs home ballpark is the second-oldest MLB stadium. (The first is Fenway Park in Boston).
1993
The Cubs are featured in the movie Rookie of the Year.
1920
Rooftop seats on neighboring buildings were officially recognized.
Field Dimensions
The field’s dimensions are asymmetrical: 355 ft. left, 368 ft. right, 400 ft. center.
Seating Capacity
The stadium has over 41,000 seats.
1947
Cubs’ first televised game.
1986
The stadium was featured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
The Wrigley Vibe
Known as The Friendly Confines, the ballpark exudes a charming, neighborhood vibe compared to other MLB stadiums.
Swinging for the Fences
Most home runs as a Cub: Sammy Sosa knocked it out of the park in pinstripes 545 times, famously battling Mark McGwire in 1998 to both shatter the MLB single-season record.
3,011
Most hits in Cubs history: Cap Anson, 1876 - 1897.
1935
The Cubs' longest winning streak — 21 games — took place from September 4 to September 28, 1935. It remains the 2nd-longest winning streak in MLB history.
Cold Spell
The Cubs’ longest losing streak — 14 games — took place from April 1 to April 20, 1997.
Cubs for Life
Just a handful of Cubs players have spent 15+ seasons entirely with the franchise, among them Ernie Banks, Stan Hack, Gabby Hartnett and Charlie Root.
Hot Head
During a loss to the Atlanta Braves in 2007, Cubs Manager Lou Piniella erupted at umpire Mark Wegner, spiking his hat, kicking dirt and earning a four-game suspension. Many feel the outburst sparked the club to win the NL Central that season.
Winning Team
The Cubs are no stranger to racking up wins. In the history of the franchise, they've won over 11,000 games.
1984
Ryne Sandberg's breakout MVP season in which he batted .314 with 200 hits, 114 runs, 36 doubles, 19 triples and 84 RBIs.
All the All-Stars
237 Cubs have been selected for the All-Star Game, with Ernie Banks making the most appearances at 14 (ironically his jersey number).
1948
The Cubs set a single-game attendance record with 47,171 (including standing-room) vs. the Brooklyn Dodgers.
