It’s fitting that a pitiful franchise synonymous with losing would lose their landmark game. The Chicago Cubs tonight became the first major league franchise to reach 20,000 regular season games played when they were beaten by the Chicago White Sox 3-2. The Sox win gives them the BP Crosstown Cup for the first time in the trophy history. (And what says prestigious trophy better than “BP.”) It was also the Sox 8th win in their last 9 tries over the Cubs. Cubs players and field staff will wore patches with a unique “20,000th Game” logo to commemorate the milestone.
Through 19,999 regular season contests since their inception in 1876, the Cubs own a 10,197-9,642 record (.514) with 160 ties and no-decisions. The 10,197 regular season wins are second-most in big league history behind the New York/San Francisco Giants (10,384). The franchise has been known as the Cubs since 1902, but has had other nicknames, including the White Stockings (1876-1894), Colts (1887-1906) and Zephyrs (1905). Of the eight original charter members of the National League, only the Cubs have operated continuously in the same city.
April 25, 1876, Albert Spalding pitched the first N.L. shutout in the White Stocking’s 4-0 win at Louisville. Spalding also had the franchise’s first hit, while centerfielder Paul Hines scored the first run on a throwing error in the second inning.
Hall of Famer Ernie Banks is the all-time franchise leader, having played in 2,528 games for Chicago – that translates to just over 12 percent of the team’s regular season contests. Following the Cubs, the Boston/Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves will be the next franchise to reach 20,000 regular season games, as they will reach the mark later this season.