Chicago Cubs Timeline

(1876 - Present)

The Chicago Cubs are one of Major League Baseball's oldest and most storied franchises. Founded in 1876 as the Chicago White Stockings and based at iconic Wrigley Field since 1916, the Cubs have experienced dramatic highs, including early dynasties and the historic 2016 World Series victory that ended a 108-year championship drought. More Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Founding and Early Era

Chicago White Stockings founded

1870

The franchise that would become the Chicago Cubs was established in 1870 as the Chicago White Stockings, one of the first professional baseball clubs in the United States. The team quickly became a dominant force in early professional baseball.

Image source: History of the Chicago Cubs

White Stockings join the National League

Apr 25, 1876

The Chicago White Stockings became a charter member of the newly formed National League in 1876 and won the league's very first pennant, setting the tone for a strong early era of Chicago baseball.

Cap Anson leads Chicago to early dominance

1880

Under player-manager Cap Anson, the White Stockings won multiple National League pennants in the early 1880s, becoming the league's first true dynasty and one of baseball's most powerful franchises.

Image source: Cap Anson

Team renamed the Chicago Colts

1890

After a dispute with Cap Anson, the club changed its name from White Stockings to the Chicago Colts in 1890, marking a new chapter in the team's evolving identity.

Team renamed the Chicago Orphans

1898

Following Cap Anson's departure, the team was renamed the Chicago Orphans in 1898. Despite the modest name, the club remained competitive in the National League.

Team officially becomes the Chicago Cubs

1903

In 1903, the club adopted the name 'Cubs,' a nickname that had been used informally by newspapers for its young roster. The name has remained with the franchise ever since.

Image source: Chicago Cubs

Tinker to Evers to Chance double play immortalized

Jul 12, 1910

Franklin Pierce Adams' famous poem 'Baseball's Sad Lexicon' celebrated the Cubs' legendary infield trio of Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, and Frank Chance, whose double-play combination became one of baseball's most enduring legends.

Image source: Baseball's Sad Lexicon

Championships

Cubs win their first modern World Series

Oct 9, 1907

Led by the double-play combination of Tinker to Evers to Chance, the Cubs swept the Detroit Tigers in the 1907 World Series, capturing the franchise's first World Series championship of the modern era.

Image source: 1907 World Series

Cubs win back-to-back World Series titles

Oct 14, 1908

The Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers again in the 1908 World Series, winning their second consecutive championship. This title stood as the franchise's most recent World Series victory until 2016.

Image source: 1908 World Series

Gabby Hartnett hits the Homer in the Gloamin'

Sep 28, 1938

Cubs catcher Gabby Hartnett hit a dramatic walk-off home run against Pittsburgh in near darkness at Wrigley Field, propelling the Cubs to the 1938 National League pennant in one of the most famous moments in franchise history.

Cubs win National League pennant

Sep 29, 1945

The Cubs captured the 1954... rather, the 1945 National League pennant, earning their last World Series appearance for the next 71 years. They faced the Detroit Tigers in the Fall Classic.

Billy Goat Tavern curse legend begins

Oct 6, 1945

According to legend, tavern owner Billy Sianis was asked to leave Game 4 of the 1945 World Series because his goat's odor bothered fans, prompting him to declare the Cubs would never win again. The 'Curse of the Billy Goat' became part of baseball folklore.

Image source: Curse of the Billy Goat

Steve Bartman foul ball incident

Oct 14, 2003

During Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS against Florida, fan Steve Bartman deflected a foul ball, and the Cubs subsequently collapsed, blowing a late lead and losing the series, extending their championship drought painfully.

Steve Bartman receives World Series ring gesture

Nov 2016

Following the long-awaited championship, the Cubs organization presented Steve Bartman a 2016 World Series championship ring, formally reconciling with the fan whose infamous 2003 moment had haunted the franchise.

Cubs win first World Series in 108 years

Nov 2, 2016

The Cubs defeated Cleveland in seven games to win the 2016 World Series, overcoming a 3-1 deficit and ending a 108-year championship drought, the longest in professional sports history. The Game 7 rain-delayed extra-inning thriller is considered an instant classic.

Image source: 2016 World Series

Wrigley Field

Cubs move into Weeghman Park on the North Side

Apr 23, 1914

Weeghman Park opened in 1914 as home of the Federal League's Chicago Whales. The ballpark was later acquired along with the Cubs in 1916, beginning its long association with the team.

Image source: Wrigley Field

Cubs play first game at Wrigley Field site

Apr 20, 1916

In 1916, the Cubs began playing at Weeghman Park after Charles Weeghman bought the club. The North Side ballpark would become one of the most beloved venues in all of sports.

Ballpark renamed Cubs Park

1920

In 1920, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., who had become majority owner of the Cubs, renamed Weeghman Park as Cubs Park, reflecting his growing influence over the franchise.

Ballpark officially renamed Wrigley Field

1927

In 1927, Cubs Park was renamed Wrigley Field in honor of owner William Wrigley Jr., cementing the name that has made the venue an iconic symbol of Chicago baseball.

Babe Ruth's called shot in World Series

Oct 1, 1932

During Game 3 of the 1932 World Series against the Cubs, Babe Ruth allegedly pointed toward the center field bleachers before hitting a home run. The 'called shot' remains one of baseball's most famous moments, though the Cubs lost the series.

Wrigley Field installs lights for night games

Aug 8, 1988

After decades of playing exclusively daytime home games, Wrigley Field hosted its first official night game on August 8, 1988. Rain postponed that game, which was completed the next evening.

Image source: 1988 Chicago Cubs season

Wrigley Field renovation project completed

Apr 8, 2019

The multi-year '1060 Project' restoration of Wrigley Field was completed in 2019, adding new bleachers, expanded clubhouse facilities, and modern amenities while preserving the ballpark's historic character.

Notable Players

Ernie Banks joins the Cubs

Sep 17, 1953

Shortstop Ernie Banks debuted with the Cubs in 1953 and went on to become 'Mr. Cub,' winning two NL MVP awards and hitting over 500 home runs while becoming the face of the franchise.

Image source: Ernie Banks

Greg Maddux wins Cy Young Award

Nov 1992

Cubs ace Greg Maddux won the 1992 National League Cy Young Award with a masterful pitching season before leaving for Atlanta, beginning a Hall of Fame career regarded among the greatest pitchers ever.

Image source: Greg Maddux

Sammy Sosa hits 66 home runs in 1998 home run chase

Sep 13, 1998

Sammy Sosa captivated baseball during the 1998 home run race, hitting 66 home runs alongside Mark McGwire's 70. Sosa's power display energized Cubs fans and helped carry the team to the playoffs.

Image source: Sammy Sosa

Kerry Wood and Mark Prior lead young pitching staff

2003

In 2003, young pitchers Kerry Wood and Mark Prior powered the Cubs to the NL Central title and within five outs of the World Series, thrilling fans with dominant performances throughout the postseason run.

Image source: Kerry Wood

Kris Bryant drafted second overall

Jun 6, 2013

The Cubs selected third baseman Kris Bryant with the second overall pick in the 2013 draft. Bryant became NL Rookie of the Year in 2015 and NL MVP in 2016, anchoring the Cubs' resurgence.

Image source: Kris Bryant

Jake Arrieta throws no-hitter

Aug 30, 2015

Jake Arrieta no-hit the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, capping a dominant stretch that earned him the 2015 NL Cy Young Award and established him as the ace of the Cubs' rotation.

Image source: Jake Arrieta

Modern Era

Ricketts family purchases the Cubs

Oct 27, 2009

The Ricketts family completed their purchase of the Chicago Cubs from Tribune Company in 2009, ushering in a new ownership era committed to restoring the franchise to championship contention.

Image source: Thomas S. Ricketts

Theo Epstein hired as president of baseball operations

Oct 25, 2011

The Cubs hired Theo Epstein, architect of the Boston Red Sox's 2004 championship, as president of baseball operations, launching a comprehensive rebuild focused on drafting, developing, and acquiring young talent.

Image source: Theo Epstein

Cubs win 97 games and return to playoffs

Oct 6, 2015

The rebuilt Cubs won 97 games in 2015 and reached the NLCS behind young stars Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Kyle Schwarber, signaling the arrival of a new contending era on the North Side.

Cubs win 103 games, most since 1945

Oct 2, 2016

The 2016 Cubs posted a major league-best 103 wins under manager Joe Maddon, securing home-field advantage through the playoffs and entering October as World Series favorites.

Key Facts

The Chicago Cubs were founded in 1876 as the Chicago White Stockings and were a charter member of the National League.
The Cubs won back-to-back World Series titles in 1907 and 1908, but did not win another championship for 108 years.
Wrigley Field, the Cubs' home ballpark since 1916, is the second-oldest stadium in Major League Baseball.
In 1947, Jackie Robinson played his first National League game at Wrigley Field against the Cubs, a milestone in baseball integration.
The Cubs broke the 'Curse of the Billy Goat' by winning the 2016 World Series, defeating the Cleveland Indians in seven games.

Source

This Chicago Cubs timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.

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