"The rivalry between the two teams and their fans dates back to the founding of the American League. In 1900, Charles Comiskey moved his Saint Paul Saints minor league franchise to Chicago. It is believed that the Cubs owner at the time was not happy, and filed a suit against Comiskey. After talks, it was decided that Comiskey could move his team to Chicago, pending that Chicago was not used in the title of the team name, and that the team play south of 35th Street. In response, the team was renamed the "White Stockings," which had been the original name of the Cubs from 1876 to 1889. The establishment of a new team in the city was a direct challenge to the National League franchise, which had been the idea behind the formation of the American League.
In recent months the bar has been raised....first by the Sox (signing relief pitcher Zach Duke and first baseman/DH Adam LaRoche),,,,.then the Cubs grabbing former Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon......then back to the Sox in trading for righthanded starter Jeff Samardzija,,,,and then the Cubs by inking lefty pitcher Jon Lester. Back and forth....back and forth. Cubs adding catchers Miguel Montero and David Ross and then centerfielder Dexter Fowler. And the White Sox firing back with closer David Robertson and left fielder Melky Cabrera. Bragging rights became an every day dilemma. Who made a move today and how'd that change things? It's been an off-season of flury. Deals, deals and more deals. And then this......
"Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts fired off a hefty volley -- and got the biggest laugh -- in what should be renewed intensity to the Cubs/White Sox rivalry.
During Saturday morning's Ricketts Family Forum at his team's annual fan convention, he was told by a fan that people say that kids “have more fun at U.S. Cellular Field” than at Wrigley Field. After a pause, Ricketts responded:
“Can’t be that many kids having fun at U.S. Cellular,” he said with a smile.
Well...those could be intrepreted as some big fighting words for the Sox. It's not like they don't know some things need to change attendance-wise.
Brooks Boyer, Sox Senior VP of Sales and Marketing said they have a new motto in the White Sox ticket department. "Strategically, the big thing we're saying internally is, 'One more game,' " said Boyer. at SoxFest over the weekend. "How do we get people to attend one more game?"
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| A HOUSE DIVIDED????? Maybe Much More Than That...... |
Yesterday, I fired off an email to Mr. Boyer thinking I'd throw out a couple ideas and see if he'd respond. Mainly I touched on Little Leagues and how they could play a big factor in increasing the fan base. Within three hours he replied.
"A few years ago we started "sponsoring" Little Leagues in the Chicagoland area. We went in and made EVERY team, from t-ball to their oldest divisions, White Sox teams. They were differentiated by colors for the younger guys and historical White Sox jerseys for the older guys. We also bought all of their caps. This way, the leagues can spend the money saved to buy field equipment or playing equipment to create a better experience for the kids. One league put lights on their main complex. We send out training tip videos from our coaching staff and players. Most importantly, we make special offers to the leagues to come to games.
I whole heartedly agree with your philosophy as I think you always root for the team you wore when you played Little League. Heck, I still like the Montreal Expos! We may have lost some generations of fans because of TV or generational fandom, but we are NOT going to lose the next generation of baseball fans in the Chicago area.
Thanks for the email,
Brooks
I must say, I was very impressed by Brooks quick reply. There is a plan in place for the Sox. The product will be much improved. Now, the hard work begins. Getting people there for a first time and then for "one more game".
The Cubs have a mind of their own with putting fannies back in the stands. Remodel, Rebuild and let Sports Illustrated do your marketing for you and THEY WILL COME. On January 9th, Sports Illustrated picked the Cubbies to win the 2015 World Series. Now, I'm not sure where they came up with the factors to reach that decision.....but they did. Call it a jinx or a help....2015 could be special. Could Be.
Ultimately, there will always be differences between the two fans bases. For example:
Bleacher etiquette of the Cubs fan: Always boo when the opposing team hits a homerun. If you are near where the ball was hit, grab it and toss it back onto the field.
Bleacher etiquette of the Sox fan: Never throw anything on the field. This is important, and includes homerun balls hit by the opposing team. Keep the field clean, and respect it.
A City Divided? For sure. But that division also lives in some homes and families. My mother is a die-hard Cubs fan. And I, of course, am NOT. Which leads to some pretty interesting feuds.
If you find yourself in that same situation, just remember. The White Sox lead the series 49-44. That should help your argument. Booooooooo-yaaaaaaaaa.
Thanks for reading,
John
