The Crosstown Classic: What Side of the Fence are YOU on?

It’s that time of the year again when the lines are drawn; you see families divided and friendships put to the test. No, I’m not talking about politics. No, I’m not even talking about a family reunion, an event my brother Billy calls, “Forced Family Fun.” But rather the Crosstown Classic between the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox.

Most people who grew up in Chicago have picked a side; some more staunchly than others. At times babies were simply born into a side…your family was for either the Cubs or Sox and so were you. That’s just the way it went.

But how and when did this rivalry start? And how have the two teams fared since?

Here are 4 facts you may not know about this crosstown rivalry:

• The rivalry between these teams started back in 1900 when Charles Comiskey moved his minor league team from Saint Paul to Chicago. The Cubs’ owner at the time actually filed suit against Comiskey, which was later dropped after certain demands were met.
• Prior to interleague play beginning in 1997, the last time the Cubs and Sox played against each other where it counted towards the team standings was in the 1906 World Series, in which the Sox won in 6 games. In between that time, these two teams played in a variety of charity or exhibition games, but not one that ‘counted,’ except for bragging rights.
• Since 1997, the Cubs and Sox have played each other 6 times each season, two three-game series played in each stadium. This year, however, there is only one four-game series, but there will still be 2 games played in each stadium.
• Although the Sox have the overwhelming winning record for the Crosstown Classic with a record of 10-4-5, the overall game record for the Classic is more evenly split with the Cubs winning 49 games and the Sox winning 55.

Do you want to get to a day game once-in-a-while but can’t take your senior loved one with you and don’t want to leave him or her at home? Naperville Senior Center is the perfect answer for you to get some respite. Our Members play baseball on the Wii and we will sometimes watch Cubs or Sox day games.

When they are not playing Wii games, our Members socialize, verbalize, improvise, evangelize, visualize, exercise, have fun, and a host of other activities to provide mental and physical stimulation.

Go Cubs!

Call to action: learn more about how NSC can provide a respite for you and a great social environment for your loved one, contact our Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Theresa, at 630.857.3017. You can also schedule a tour to see what we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home.”