Well-Established History

Lore & Background

The team was originally called the White Stockings, and later the Orphans and Colts by the press before officially becoming the 'Cubs' in 1903. In 1870, the Chicago White Stockings did not win the NABBP championship; the Brooklyn Atlantics are generally recognized as the 1870 champions. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed their ballpark and equipment, the club disbanded and did not field a team in 1872 or 1873, resuming play in 1874. Club president William Hulbert spearheaded the formation of the National League in 1876, and the White Stockings won the league's first championship that year. Under Cap Anson, the team won pennants in 1880 and 1881. After Hulbert's death in 1882, Al Spalding's ownership role evolved over time rather than being immediate.

Reader's Guide

The team's early home games were played at Ogden Park and Dexter Park in 1870, then at Union Base-Ball Grounds in Lake Park (later Grant Park) in 1871. After the fire, they moved to the 23rd Street Grounds in 1874. In 1878, a new Lake Park ballpark was built in essentially the same place as the 1871 ballpark.

Did You Know?

• The Chicago White Stockings played their first game on April 29, 1870, defeating the Union Club of St. Louis 7–1.
• In 1880, the White Stockings won 67 and lost 17, for a .798 winning percentage—the all-time NL record.
• Pitcher Larry Corcoran threw three no-hitters in the early 1880s.
• Fred Goldsmith is one of two pitchers credited with the invention of the curveball.