The Chicago White Stockings--later renamed the Cubs--won the inaugural National League Pennant in 1876 with a barrage of offensive numbers. Ross Barnes led the league at a .421 clip, and three other Chicago batters finished among the league's top five hitters. Even pitcher Al Spalding hit an impressive .312. Thus began the "northsiders" tradition of producing some of the major leagues' greatest sluggers--including "Cap" Anson, "Gabby" Hartnett, and "Hack" Wilson.

The Chicago White Sox--still named the White Sox--won the inaugural American League Pennant in 1901, led by Fielder Jones'...

The Chicago area today hosts two of the most historic major league franchises and half a dozen minor or independent league teams. Baseball's roots run deep in the Windy City. Indeed, it was Chicago businessman William "I'd rather be a lamp-post in Chicago than a millionaire in any other city" Hulbert, who, according to baseball lore, staged the coup that in 1876 would put the National League on the map. The Chicago White Stockings (now ironically called the Cubs) were one of eight charter members, winning the inaugural NL Championship with such legendary names as A.G. Spalding, "Cap" Anson,...

Al Spalding was the first of many Chicago aces, leading the city's 1876 club to an inaugural National League Pennant with a 46-12 record and a whopping 528 innings pitched. Among the legendary pitchers to follow were Larry Corcoran, owner of two no-hitters with the White Stocking dynasty of the 1880s; Clark Griffith, who had six 20-win seasons in a row for a mediocre Orphans/Colts club in the 1890s; and "Rube" Foster, who dominated the Negro leagues of the early twentieth century. Also featured are Mordecai "Three Fingers" Brown, Eddie Cicotte, Ed Walsh, Grover Cleveland Alexander, and many...