The Ricketts Ownership Era (2009-Present)

Lore & Background

The Cubs began in 1870 as the Chicago White Stockings, playing their home games at West Side Grounds. Six years later, they joined the National League as a charter member. The White Stockings won the first National League pennant in 1876. After back-to-back pennants in 1880 and 1881, they captured a third consecutive pennant in 1882.

In 1885 and 1886, after winning NL pennants, the White Stockings met the champions of the American Association in that era's version of a World Series; the clubs tied in 1885 and St. Louis won in 1886. By 1890, the team had become known as the Chicago Colts, and after 1897 were called the Orphans. In 1902, the Chicago Daily News called the franchise the Cubs; it officially took the name five years later. The 1906 Cubs won 116 games and posted a modern-era record winning percentage, but lost the World Series to the White Sox.

The Cubs won back-to-back World Series championships in 1907 and 1908, becoming the first major league team to play in three consecutive World Series and the first to win it twice. Most recently, the Cubs won the 2016 World Series, ending a 108-year championship drought.

Reader's Guide

The Cubs are known as 'the North Siders', a reference to the location of Wrigley Field within the city of Chicago, and in contrast to the White Sox, whose home field (Rate Field) is located on the South Side. Through 2024, the franchise has played the most games in MLB history. Since the start of divisional play in 1969, the Cubs have appeared in the postseason 12 times through the 2025 season.

Did You Know?

• The Cubs' 108-year World Series championship drought was the longest in all major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.
• The 1906 Cubs won 116 games, finishing 116–36, a modern-era record for winning percentage.