pirates vs cubs: The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs is one of the longstanding fixtures in Major League Baseball (MLB). These two National League teams have faced off for over a century, producing memorable games, iconic players, and moments that have captivated baseball fans.
Here’s a deep dive into the history, key moments, and current state of this rivalry.
Early History
The Chicago Cubs, founded in 1876, and the Pittsburgh Pirates, founded in 1882, are among the oldest teams in baseball. The rivalry between the two began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as both teams were regular contenders in the National League.
During the early years, the Cubs were a dominant force in baseball. They won back-to-back World Series championships in 1907 and 1908, while the Pirates, led by legendary shortstop Honus Wagner, claimed their first World Series title in 1909.
This era laid the groundwork for a competitive rivalry between the two clubs, with both teams vying for National League supremacy.
Key Moments in the Rivalry
Throughout the decades, the Pirates and Cubs have engaged in numerous memorable battles on the diamond. Here are some of the standout moments:
- 1955: The Cubs’ Dominance in Forbes Field: In one of the standout games in this rivalry, the Cubs defeated the Pirates 21-8 at Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field. The Cubs’ offense was unstoppable that day, and it remains one of the highest-scoring games between the two teams.
- 1971: The Pirates’ Championship Year: The 1971 season was a memorable one for the Pirates, who won the World Series that year. Along the way, they frequently clashed with the Cubs, with key victories against Chicago helping to solidify their dominance in the National League East.
- 2001: Sammy Sosa vs. the Pirates: During the early 2000s, Sammy Sosa, the Cubs’ power-hitting outfielder, became a major force against the Pirates. His home run battles were legendary, including multiple games where he hit two or more home runs against Pittsburgh. Sosa’s presence in this rivalry brought an electrifying edge to the contests.
- 2015: The Wild Card Game: One of the most recent and significant moments in the Pirates-Cubs rivalry came in the 2015 National League Wild Card Game. The Cubs, led by ace pitcher Jake Arrieta, shut out the Pirates 4-0 in Pittsburgh to advance to the National League Division Series.
- Arrieta’s complete-game masterpiece and the Cubs’ dominant performance ended the Pirates’ postseason hopes, adding a fresh chapter to the rivalry.
Head-to-Head Record
As of the end of the 2023 season, the Pirates and Cubs have faced each other over 2,500 times in regular-season play. The Cubs hold a slight edge in the all-time series, with over 1,300 wins compared to the Pirates’ 1,200-plus victories. While the Cubs have generally had more success historically, both teams have had periods of dominance in the rivalry.
Legendary Players
Both the Pirates and Cubs have produced Hall of Fame players who have made their mark in this rivalry. For the Pirates, icons like Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, and Bill Mazeroski are forever linked to the franchise’s rich history.
Meanwhile, the Cubs boast legends like Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Billy Williams, and Ryne Sandberg, who have left an indelible mark on the team and the rivalry.
In more recent years, players like Andrew McCutchen (Pirates) and Kris Bryant (Cubs) have become central figures in the rivalry, leading their respective teams through intense matchups.
Current State of the Rivalry
In recent seasons, both teams have gone through rebuilding phases, with young talent emerging on both rosters. The Cubs, after breaking their 108-year World Series drought in 2016, have seen the departure of key players from that championship team, including Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Báez.
The Pirates, on the other hand, are in the process of rebuilding their team around a core of promising prospects, aiming to return to contention.
The games between the Pirates and Cubs remain competitive and often unpredictable. With passionate fanbases in both Pittsburgh and Chicago, the rivalry continues to be a highlight of the National League Central division. The matches between the two teams in recent years have included thrilling walk-off wins, extra-inning battles, and standout performances from rising stars.
Conclusion
The Pirates vs. Cubs rivalry may not be as nationally recognized as some of the other famous baseball rivalries, but for fans of both teams, these games hold a special significance. The long history, iconic players, and unforgettable moments have all contributed to making this one of the enduring rivalries in Major League Baseball.