The Cubs decided not to challenge the White Sox for Chicago supremacy in 1943, and the city series was never played again. For the next half-century, though, the two teams found ways to keep the rivalry afloat until interleague play found its way to the regular season in 1997. Current broadcasters Pat Hughes of the Cubs and Jason Benetti of the White Sox help to wrap up the series as they chime in with their thoughts on how the crosstown series is viewed today.
Extra Notes
- Aside from Johnny Evers, four players appeared in city series games for both teams: Zeke Bonura, Carl Reynolds, Zeb Terry and Rollie Zeider
- In all, the Cubs used 216 players in at least one city series game. The White Sox fielded 190.
- Starting in the late 1960’s, the two teams once again began playing a spring series, but only intermittently. Since 1998, both teams have been in the Cactus League and have played regularly in the spring.
- In 2010, the crosstown rivalry introduced its first trophy. The Crosstown Cup is presented to the team that wins the regular season series each year. In case of a split, the previous holder retains the cup. As of June, 2020, the cup has been in the Cubs’ possession for three years.
- There is a great wealth of information over at chicagology.com, including a comprehensive history of the city series, itself. It is highly recommended for lovers of Chicago history.
Featured Songs
“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” by Duke Ellington
“I’ve Heard That Song Before” by Harry James
“As Time Goes By” by Beegie Adair
“It Might As Well Be Spring” by Clifford Brown
“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
“When I Come Around” by Green Day
“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis
“Chicago” by Frank Sinatra
Final City Series Leaders*
Cubs | Hitting | White Sox |
Gabby Hartnett – 51 | Games | Ray Schalk – 54 |
Hartnett – 42 | Hits | Schalk – 46 |
Hack Wilson – 20 | Runs | Eddie Collins – 28 |
Jimmy Archer – 11 | Doubles | Luke Appling/ Shano Collins – 10 |
Vic Saier – 5 | Triples | Eddie Collins/ Buck Weaver – 4 |
Wilson – 4 | Home Runs | Earl Sheely – 6 |
Wilson – .347 | Batting Average (Min. 50 PA) | Shano Collins – .349 |
Woody English – 18 | Walks | Eddie Collins – 24 |
Johnny Evers/ Frank Schulte – 7 |
Stolen Bases | Harry Hooper – 8 |
Pitching | ||
Charlie Root – 19 | Games | Red Faber/ Ted Lyons – 23 |
Root – 9 | Games Started | Faber/Lyons – 19 |
Sheriff Blake – 5 | Wins | Faber – 11 |
Root – 8 | Losses | Lyons – 8 |
Pete Alexander – 8 | Complete Games | Lyons – 13 |
Jimmy Lavender – 2 | Shutouts | Faber – 3 |
Alexander – 83.2 | Innings | Lyons – 155.2 |
Larry Cheney – 45 | Strikeouts | Faber – 66 |
Alexander – 2.04 | ERA (Min. 30 IP) | Ed Walsh – 1.35 |