MLB Team Guide
Chicago Cubs: History, World Series & Facts
The Cubs are a charter member of the National League, which began play in 1876, and have been called the Cubs since 1903. They have won three World Series: 1907, 1908 and 2016.
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Updated live from ESPN.
Quick facts
| Founded | Organized in 1870 as the Chicago White Stockings; NL charter member in 1876 |
|---|---|
| Ballpark | Wrigley Field, Chicago (opened 1914; Cubs home since 1916) |
| World Series titles | 3 (1907, 1908, 2016) |
| NL pennants | 17 through the 2025 season |
| Name history | White Stockings, Colts, Orphans, Cubs (1903–) |
World Series history
The Cubs won back-to-back World Series in 1907 and 1908. Their 2016 title ended a 108-year gap between championships.
- 1907 World Series: beat the Detroit Tigers 4–0 (one game ended in a tie)
- 1908 World Series: beat the Detroit Tigers 4–1
- 2016 World Series: beat the Cleveland Indians 4–3, winning Game 7 in 10 innings
- NL pennants: 1876, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1885, 1886, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1910, 1918, 1929, 1932, 1935, 1938, 1945, 2016
Franchise history
- 1876: Played the first National League season as the Chicago White Stockings.
- 1903: Adopted the Cubs name.
- 1906: Won 116 games, then lost the World Series to the crosstown White Sox.
- 1916: Moved into Weeghman Park, renamed Wrigley Field in 1926.
- 1988: First official night game at Wrigley Field, played Aug. 9.
- 2016: Won the World Series, the club's first title since 1908.
Franchise record holders
| Games played | Ernie Banks, 2,528 |
|---|---|
| Home runs | Sammy Sosa, 545 |
| Pitching wins | Charlie Root, 201 |
Retired numbers
- 10Ron Santo
- 14Ernie Banks
- 23Ryne Sandberg
- 26Billy Williams
- 31Fergie Jenkins
- 31Greg Maddux
- 42Jackie Robinson (retired across MLB)
Hall of Famers
Cap Anson, Frank Chance, Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, Mordecai Brown, Gabby Hartnett, Hack Wilson, Kiki Cuyler, Billy Herman, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg, Ron Santo, Lee Smith.
Biggest rivalries
- St. Louis Cardinals: NL rivals since the 1890s, who met in the 2015 NLDS, won by Chicago 3–1.
- Chicago White Sox: the crosstown rivalry, which reached the World Series in 1906.
- Milwaukee Brewers: NL Central neighbors, who beat Chicago 3–2 in the 2025 NLDS.
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How many World Series have the Cubs won?
Three: 1907, 1908 and 2016.
How long was the Cubs' championship drought?
108 years, from the 1908 title to the 2016 title.
When did Wrigley Field open?
In 1914, as Weeghman Park. The Cubs moved in for the 1916 season, and it was renamed Wrigley Field in 1926.
When did Wrigley Field get lights?
In 1988. The first scheduled night game on Aug. 8 was rained out, and the first official night game was played Aug. 9.
Why is number 31 retired twice?
The Cubs retired 31 for both Fergie Jenkins and Greg Maddux on the same day in 2009.
Sources
Facts checked September 23, 2026. Live figures above come from ESPN.