Ploys of Summer: Why I Hate the Chicago Crosstown Classic

Baseball in the city of Chicago has become religion on all sides of town and beyond. With suburban sprawl and urban renewal, the once solid divide of north and south becomes ever more blurry. However, when it comes to baseball, the Mendoza line that divides this city is as bold and significant as the Mason-Dixon.

For the majority of Chicagoans, you are one or the other. Cubs or Sox. A few dabble in both ball clubs, but most prefer one or the other. Paper and plastic. No in-between. For many years, the rivalry amounted to little more than verbal ribbing. Prior to inter-league play, the Cubs and Sox met annually for an exhibition game as mere fan service. Back in those days, the Cubs and White Sox were often relegated to middle of their respective divisions so the exhibition game meant a little more.

As the 1990's forged on and inter-league play was introduced, the Cubs and Sox were given the chance to meet in 2 series' that counted in the standings. Instantly, the rivalry become real. Now that the games counted, both teams had a reason to bring their best game to the field. At the outset, both teams had been without a championship for many years.

In 2005, everything changed. Coming seemingly out of nowhere, the Chicago White Sox had broken an 88-year drought and took their 99 regular season wins into October and rattled off an 11-1 post-season record to capture the big prize. No longer was the Crosstown Classic "Chicago's World Series" as the White Sox had finally hosted a downtown parade to the tune of over 2 million fans.

With a trophy residing in their own backyard, the Cubs have been ever more aggressive in their pursuit of a title. No longer content with mere popularity, the Cubs have been and are in hot pursuit of a title that has eluded them for over 100 years. With the Sox finally tasting success and the Cubs recent aggressive pursuit of the promised land, one might think that Chicagoans are finally thrilled to see both teams aim for the spotlight with unabashed desire.

Instead, in my opinion, what could have and should have deserved to bring a city together has served to add to the already bitter rivalry. Leading up to and including 2005, I made sure to attend at least one Cubs/White Sox game. Due to the championship dearth of that time, the Crosstown Series was (unfortunately) a big deal. However, the true unfortunate aspect of the series (for me) took place off the field and in the stands.

Fights at a baseball game have happened in the past and they'll likely continue into the future. It's a sad fact, but it's true. However, from my experience, violence seems to be more the rule than exception as Cubs and Sox fans trade verbal barbs that often lead to fists. After a few years of enduring people knocking me around the bleachers and beer being haphazardly spilled onto me, I've since sworn off the series.

As I watch the news these days, it becomes increasingly more hard pressed to put a positive spin on much. Jobs are being lost daily. North Korea appears to be prepping itself for armed conflict. Even in Chicago, the proprietor of Chicago Sports Webio is in some serious trouble due to yet another Ponzi scheme. I think of these events, locally and globally, that are tearing this world asunder while some are content to turn escapism into tension.

As usual, most fans are there for the game and to have a good time. However, there are others who go seeking trouble. So, for someone who prefers the escapism and sport as is, I prefer to save my trips to the park for when the Twins or Indians come to town.

By the time anyone reads this, the Crosstown series will have ventured south. As the White Sox host the Cubs, I am certain that security will be bolstered to control to increased violence. As for me, there is plenty of baseball to follow this series. As both teams continue to make a legitimate annual run for a Division title and beyond, the Crosstown series is one that loses me more each season.