Diamond Rivals: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds

The rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds has a long history in baseball, dating back to the formative years of Major League Baseball.

This legendary competition spans over a century and has been the scene of thrilling encounters, iconic moments and passionate fans on both sides.

From legendary players on the field to historic triumphs and heartbreaks, the Cubs and Reds have etched their names in the annals of America’s pastime.

This introduction sets the stage for an exploration of the enduring appeal and importance of this classic baseball rivalry, the story of two teams who left an indelible mark on the sport they love.

Table of Contents

History: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds

The history of the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds is the story of two historic franchises with different stories, successes and challenges. . .

Let’s compare their story

Foundation and early years

Chicago Cubs: The Cubs were founded in 1876 as charter members of the National League. They were initially known as the Chicago White Stockings and became the Chicago Cubs in 1903.
The team has a long history, winning two World Series titles in 1907 and 1908, establishing itself as one of baseball’s premier powers.
Cincinnati Reds: The Reds, also founded in 1876, were originally called the Cincinnati Red Stockings and later changed their name to the Reds.
They were also founding members of the National League.
The Reds have a unique history as they were the first professional baseball team and paved the way for the founding of the league. They won their first World Series title in 1919 by defeating the infamous Black Sox team.

World Series title

Chicago Cubs: The Cubs’ history has been marked by periods of success and drought. Although they enjoyed early success with World Series victories in 1907 and 1908, they endured a championship drought that lasted more than a century.
This drought has become an important part of his narrative and has sparked a sense of nostalgia among his passionate fans.
However, in 2016, they finally ended the curse and won their third World Series title after defeating the Cleveland Indians in a thrilling seven-game series.
Cincinnati Reds: The Reds have won five World Series titles in their history, making them one of the most successful franchises in baseball.
After their victory in 1919, they won the championships in 1940, 1975, 1976 and 1990.
The back-to-back titles of the mid-1970s were particularly iconic because they were headlined by the legendary “Big Red Machine” with stars such as Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Pete Rose.

Hall of Fame player

Chicago Cubs: The Cubs have seen many Hall of Fame players wear their uniforms, including icons such as Ernie Banks, Ron Santo and Ryne Sandberg.
These players have left an indelible mark on the team and are beloved by Cubs fans for their contributions to the franchise.
Cincinnati Reds: The Reds have also seen their share of Hall of Fame players throughout history. Johnny Bench, widely considered one of the greatest catchers of all time, tops the list of Reds legends.
Joe Morgan and Pete Rose, both of whom were instrumental in the team’s success in the 1970s, also earned their spots in Cooperstown.

Fan Base: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds

Chicago Cubs

Known for their unwavering loyalty, Chicago Cubs fans endured a century-long championship drought with remarkable tenacity.

Generational ties rooted in tradition bind supporters to the team.

The nostalgic charm of Wrigley Field and the popular tradition of the seventh inning led by celebrity guests create a unique atmosphere.

Proudly dressed in “Cubbie Blue,” fans show their passion through “W” flags after victories.

This diverse and dedicated fan base extends far beyond Chicago to include a large and dedicated audience across the country and even around the world.

Through the ups and downs, Cubs fans remain united, making their presence felt and contributing to the team’s legacy.

Cincinnati Reds

As one of the first professional franchises, the Cincinnati Reds fan base is deeply rooted in baseball history.

Equipped with a solid understanding of the game, they radiate enthusiasm for their team’s success.

The unforgettable Big Red Machine era of the 1970s, led by legends like Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan, remains a great source of pride. From Riverfront Stadium to Great American Ball Park, beloved venues have hosted generations of passionate fans.

This passionate and supportive fan base extends beyond Cincinnati to encompass the entire state of Ohio, creating an unwavering tradition of devotion.

Their love for the Reds is reflected in times both triumphant and difficult.

Iconic Moments: Chicago Cubs-Cincinnati Reds Rivalry

The rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds has produced several iconic moments throughout its long history.

Here are some of the most memorable moments that added to the appeal of this historic rivalry

1932 World Series

The Cubs and Reds met in the 1932 World Series, marking their first-ever postseason duel. The Reds emerged victorious, winning the series in a hard-fought battle and capturing their first World Series title.

“Sandberg Game” (1984)

One of the most famous games in Cubs history took place on June 23, 1984. After falling behind 9-0 to the Reds, the Cubs staged an incredible comeback led by second baseman Ryne Sandberg.

Sandberg hit two game-winning home runs and the Cubs ultimately won the game 12-11 in extra innings. This memorable performance cemented Sandberg’s reputation as one of the game’s greats.

The Pete Rose Record (1985)

On September 11, 1985, while playing for the Reds, Pete Rose became the all-time leading rusher in MLB history, surpassing Ty Cobb’s long-standing record.

The historic moment occurred in a game against the Cubs, adding to the importance of this rivalry.

Sammy Sosa’s 500th home run (2003)

On April 4, 2003, Sammy Sosa, a Cubs legend, hit his 500th career home run in a game against the Reds. Sosa became only the 18th player in MLB history to reach this milestone, cementing his legacy as one of the most iconic players in Cubs history.

Chapman vs. Rizzo (2016)

In a 2016 game, Cubs pitcher Aroldis Chapman faced Reds first baseman Anthony Rizzo in a dramatic and intense game. The two former teammates clashed at a crucial moment, demonstrating the intensity and competitiveness of the rivalry.

Controversial moves and referee conflicts

The long history between the Cubs and Reds has also seen its share of controversial plays and heated moments between players and umpires. These incidents have added to the intensity and drama of the rivalry over the years.

Current Performance: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds

April Series at Great American Ball Park

The Cubs won the four-game series.
The Cubs dominated the Reds 32-16.
Offensive leader (Cubs): Kris Bryant (4 HR, 10 RBI).
Winning pitchers (Cubs): Kyle Hendricks, Adbert Alzolay, Zach Davies, Jake Arrieta.

May Series at Wrigley Field

The Reds have won three out of four games.
The Reds scored 25 points and allowed 18.
Offensive leader (Reds): Nick Castellanos (3 HR, 8 RBI).
Winning pitchers (Reds): Luis Castillo, Wade Miley, Sonny Gray.

July Series at Wrigley Field

The Cubs have won two out of three games.
The Cubs scored 15 runs and allowed 11.
Offensive leader (Cubs): Javier Baez (2 HR, 6 RBI).
Winning pitchers (Cubs): Alec Mills, Trevor Williams.

August Series at Great American Ball Park

The Cubs have won three of four games.
The Cubs scored 18 runs and allowed 14.
Offensive leader (Cubs): Anthony Rizzo (2 HR, 7 RBI).
Winning pitchers (Cubs): Kyle Hendricks, Zach Davies, Jake Arrieta.

Rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds

season	Date	Place	winner	score
1932	World events	Multiple locations	Cincinnati Reds	The Reds win
1984	June 23	Wrigley Field	Chicago Cubs	Cubs win
1985	September 11	Riverfront Stadium	Cincinnati Reds	The Reds win
2003	4. April	Great American Baseball Park	Chicago Cubs	Cubs win
2016	Different	Different	Chicago Cubs	Cubs win
2021	Different	Different	Cincinnati Reds	The Reds win

FAQs

When did the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds first play each other?

The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds first faced each other in 1876, the inaugural season of the National League, making it one of the oldest rivalries in MLB history.

How many World Series titles have the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds won in total?

The Chicago Cubs have won three World Series titles (1907, 1908, 2016), while the Cincinnati Reds have won five (1919, 1940, 1975, 1976, 1990), for a total of eight championships between the two teams.

Who are some of the legendary players associated with the Cubs-Reds rivalry?

The rivalry featured famous players such as Ryne Sandberg and Sammy Sosa for the Cubs and Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Pete Rose for the Reds.

Which stadium is considered the home stadium of the Chicago Cubs?

The Chicago Cubs’ home stadium is Wrigley Field, in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago. It has been their home since 1916 and is known for its ivy-covered exterior walls and historic charm.

How often do the Cubs and Reds play each other during a regular season?

Since both teams are members of the National League Central Division, they play each other multiple times during the regular season. In a typical season, they play a series of games, usually spanning several months.

Recap:

The rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds is a testament to the enduring spirit of Major League Baseball.

This historic contest spans a century and has featured iconic moments, legendary players, and passionate fans.

Both franchises have left an indelible mark on the sport: the Cubs broke their championship curse in 2016 and the Reds demonstrated their dominance with multiple World Series triumphs.

The rich traditions and generational connections within their fan base illustrate the core of baseball’s appeal.

As these two legendary teams continue to face each other on the field, their battles reflect the essence of the game, unite fans and contribute to the timeless legacy of America’s pastime.