The Cubs: Older Than Your Grandpa's Baseball Glove
So, you're wondering how long the Chicago Cubs have been around, huh? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into a history lesson that's more fun than watching paint dry (unless that paint is Wrigley Field green).
The Cubs: Not Just a Team, But a Historical Artifact
Let's get one thing straight: the Cubs are old. Like, really old. Older than your grandpa's baseball glove, older than the lightbulb, and probably older than some of the trees in Wrigley Field.
Originally known as the Chicago White Stockings, these guys were so old school they probably used horse-drawn carriages to get to the ballpark. They were actually one of the founding members of the National League in 1876! Can you imagine? Baseball was so new they didn't even have a dedicated home run ball yet.
It wasn't until 1903 that they officially became the Chicago Cubs. So, while they've been around since the days of mustaches and top hats, the name "Cubs" is a bit more recent.
The Cubs: A Century of Heartbreak (and Eventually, Joy)
Now, the Cubs have had their fair share of ups and downs. They've won a bunch of pennants, but for the longest time, that elusive World Series trophy was like a carrot dangling just out of reach. Fans would joke that a Cubs World Series win would precede the Cubs flying.
But hey, good things come to those who wait, right? In 2016, the Cubs finally broke the curse, ending a 108-year World Series drought. It was like witnessing a unicorn and a leprechaun high-fiving each other.
How to... Cubs Trivia
Ready to impress your baseball-loving buddies? Here are some quick Cubs trivia tidbits:
- How to calculate how long the Cubs have been around: Subtract 1876 from the current year. Easy peasy!
- How to explain the Cubs' long World Series drought: Tell them it was a combination of bad luck, good pitching by other teams, and maybe a goat curse.
- How to become a Cubs superfan: Start collecting Cubs memorabilia, learn the words to "Go Cubs Go," and be prepared to endure some cold, windy days at Wrigley Field.
- How to impress a Cubs fan: Know the names of some legendary Cubs players like Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg, and Anthony Rizzo.
- How to survive a Cubs game: Layer up, bring a blanket, and be prepared to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at the top of your lungs.