White Sox Welcome Cubs Fans Amid Playoff Push

Following the White Sox’s victory in the final game of the City Series at Wrigley Field, pitcher Erick Fedde offered a jest about the rivalry with a remark on avoiding city unrest by splitting the season series. This reflects the intense Cubs-White Sox rivalry, which has been a hallmark of Chicago’s sports culture for over a century.

With the Cubs out of playoff contention, the White Sox are battling in the American League Division Series for a chance at the World Series, aiming for their first title since 2005. The topic arises: should Sox fans soften their stance and embrace fellow Chicagoans rooting for the Sox?

“You can cheer for whoever you want,” Fedde said during a break before Game 2 of the ALDS. “But having loyalty for your club is probably a good thing. That’s probably the PC answer. I prefer having true Sox fans in the stands. But if they want to root for us at home, I have no problem with that. Just don’t take seats away from the people that have been cheering us all year.”

Rate Field will be bustling on Wednesday for Game 3, featuring another “Blackout Game” where fans sport black, the team’s primary hue. The Blackout theme traces back to a 2008 game and has been carried into more recent postseason games, noted Sox marketing expert Brooks Boyer.

Boyer suggests that the White Sox’s energy and spirit offer appeal, earning them the label “America’s Team” when fan favorites are eliminated. He extends an invitation to Cubs fans to join the Sox bandwagon. “The White Sox have a lot of personality and are having a lot of fun competing,” Boyer said. “We welcome and appreciate anyone who wants to support the team, including Cubs fans.”

Yet, there’s mixed sentiment among fans. Some, particularly those deeply rooted in the South Side community, hold firm in their rivalry. The animosity dates back to the 1906 World Series when the White Sox, known as “the Hitless Wonders,” claimed victory over the Cubs. This enduring rivalry has defined generations of fans.

The White Sox have become a likable team with standout talent like Munetaka Murakami and a strategic manager, Will Venable. Despite the historic rift, some Sox players are open to Cubs fans’ support—within reason.

“Look, Chicago is Chicago,” reliever Mike Vasil mentioned. “It’s a big city. We’ll accept any and all fans. But next year for the crosstown series, don’t switch up then too.”

Center fielder Tristan Peters shares this sentiment, noting the importance of city unity. “It’s the city of Chicago, and you should be cheering for the other Chicago team if yours isn’t in it,” Peters commented, though he acknowledged the rivalry’s seriousness.

DH Andrew Benintendi observed, “the more fans the better.” Conversely, some staunch Sox fans maintain a firm rivalry stance, even referencing past jokes and taunts exchanged during notable games, such as the 2003 NLCS involving the Cubs and Marlins.

Yet times are changing. Economic factors often welcome all paying customers, regardless of team allegiance. As experiences evolve, perhaps the fervent rivalries may ease, embracing all fans in a leisurely spirit, as a Sox team member humorously suggested with a nod to Pope Leo.