History of the Crosstown Classic

Today starts the 78th time the Chicago Cubs and White Sox have meet each other during the regular season since interleague play began in 1997. Each year the series consists of 6 game with each team getting a home series at their respected stadiums, for the Cubs, Wrigley Field, and the White Sox, US Cellular Field. The White Sox currently lead the regular season series 41–37. Each year the series is very competitive and there has been only six series sweeps since interleague play began, 4 for the Cubs, in 1998, 2004, 2007, and 2008, and 2 for the White Sox in 1999 and 2008.

Every year this is one of the hardest tickets to get in the city of Chicago. Cubs fans and White Sox fans do not like each other and every series seems to be heated with a lot of trash talking by the fans, players, and mangers. However, the most famous incident came in 2006 when Micael Barrett and A.J. Pierzynski got into a physical fight.  On Saturday, May 20, 2006, a brawl broke out in the bottom of the second inning when Brian Anderson of the White Sox hit a sacrifice fly, attempting to score White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski. Pierzynski then collided with Cub’s catcher Michael Barrett. After slapping home plate in celebration, Pierzynski began to walk away, but Barrett blocked his path and proceeded to punch him in the face. Both benches cleared and there was an all out brawl, which caused a 15-minute delays, which then lead to the ejecting of many players. Till this day, this is one of the most talked about incidents in the history of the crosstown classic. Michael Barrett has now moved on, but A.J. Pierzynsk is still the catcher of the Chicago White Sox.

With both teams struggling, this might be the only chance the Cubs and White Sox have to win something during this 2011 season. They are playing for the BP Crosstown Cups for only the second time in the history of this rivalry. White Sox one the first one last year with a 4-2 series win. Be sure to tune in this year because I promise you that this series is something you do not want to miss!

Check out the Crosstown Classic Website