In the world of Major League Baseball, teams often forge storied rivalries that captivate fans and define the sport’s rich history.
While not traditional adversaries, the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers have crossed paths on occasion, creating moments of excitement and intrigue on the field.
Each team brings its unique legacy and dedicated fan base to these encounters, making their matchups compelling and captivating for both supporters and baseball enthusiasts alike.
Despite their distinct histories and geographical locations, the Cubs and Rangers’ occasional clashes have left an indelible mark, adding another layer of excitement to the ever-evolving landscape of America’s favorite pastime.
History: Chicago Cubs Vs Texas Rangers
The history of the Chicago Cubs and the Texas Rangers in Major League Baseball (MLB) is quite distinct, given their different geographical locations and the varying periods of success and challenges they have experienced.
Let’s delve into a comparison of their histories
Establishment and Relocations
The Chicago Cubs: The Cubs, founded in 1870, are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in MLB history.
Originally known as the Chicago White Stockings, they became the Cubs in 1903. They have been based in Chicago throughout their history, playing their home games at iconic Wrigley Field since 1916.The Texas Rangers: The Rangers, established in 1961 as the Washington Senators, moved to Arlington, Texas, in 1972 and became the Texas Rangers.
The franchise had a relatively turbulent early history, but the move to Texas opened up new opportunities and a fresh start for the team.
World Series
The Chicago Cubs: The Cubs’ most significant historical aspect, and often a focal point of their story, was the famous World Series drought that lasted from 1908 until 2016. During this period, they were unable to secure a World Series championship, leading to the “Curse of the Billy Goat” legend.
However, in 2016, the Cubs finally ended their 108-year championship drought by winning the World Series.The Texas Rangers: The Rangers have yet to win a World Series title in their history. They have made it to the World Series twice, in 2010 and 2011, but fell short on both occasions, losing to the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals, respectively.
Hall of Famers
The Chicago Cubs: Throughout their long history, the Cubs have been home to numerous Hall of Fame players, including Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Ryne Sandberg, and Fergie Jenkins, among others.
The Texas Rangers: While the Rangers have not been around as long as the Cubs, they have still produced some Hall of Fame-caliber players, such as Nolan Ryan and Ivan Rodriguez.
Fanbase: Chicago Cubs Vs Texas Rangers
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs boast one of the most devoted and storied fan bases in sports. Rooted in a long history dating back to the 19th century, Cubs fans, known as the “Cubs Faithful” or “Cubs Nation,” exemplify unwavering loyalty and camaraderie.
Enduring a century-long World Series drought, they filled Wrigley Field with unyielding support, displaying vast knowledge and an emotional connection to the team’s legacy and iconic players.
The euphoric 2016 World Series victory, breaking the infamous curse, solidified their deep bond with the Cubs, sparking jubilant celebrations and forging an everlasting connection between the team and its cherished supporters.
Texas Rangers
Since their relocation to Arlington, Texas in 1972, the Texas Rangers’ fan base has steadily grown. Initially facing challenges, the team’s performance and successful seasons have fostered a strong following.
Texas, with its deep sports culture, holds baseball in high regard, and the Rangers are a cherished part of the state’s sports scene.
Their two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011, though ending in heartbreak, solidified their fans’ unwavering support.
The Rangers’ presence resonates strongly within Texas and has garnered attention nationwide, drawing enthusiasts from all corners of the country who admire the team’s tenacity and commitment to the sport.
Iconic Moments: Chicago Cubs Vs Texas Rangers Rivalry
July 22, 2010 – Zambrano’s No-hitter
During an interleague game between the Cubs and the Rangers in Arlington, Texas, Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano threw a no-hitter. He dominated the Rangers’ lineup, not allowing a single hit throughout the game, and led the Cubs to a 5-0 victory.
April 18, 2013 – Feldman’s Gem
Scott Feldman, who previously played for the Rangers, pitched against his former team while with the Cubs. He put on an impressive display, allowing only one run and striking out three batters over seven innings, leading the Cubs to a 6-2 victory.
August 23, 2016 – Darvish Vs. Cubs
Yu Darvish, then a star pitcher for the Rangers, faced off against the Cubs at Globe Life Park in Arlington. He pitched exceptionally well, allowing only one run over 6.2 innings and striking out nine Cubs batters.
The Rangers won the game 4-1.
May 6, 2019 – Back-to-back Walk-offs
In a thrilling matchup between the Cubs and the Rangers at Wrigley Field, both teams achieved back-to-back walk-off victories.
The Cubs won the first game of the doubleheader with a walk-off home run, and the Rangers answered back with a walk-off home run of their own in the second game.
Recent Performance: Chicago Cubs Vs Texas Rangers
Chicago Cubs
As of the 2019 season, the Chicago Cubs had a strong showing, finishing with a record of 84-78.
In the 2020 season, the Cubs made it to the playoffs as the NL Central champions with a record of 34-26 in the shortened season. However, they were eliminated in the Wild Card Series by the Miami Marlins.
In the 2021 season, the Cubs struggled, finishing with a record of 71-91 and missing the playoffs.
In the 2022 season, the Cubs showed improvement, finishing with a record of 86-76 but narrowly missed out on the postseason.
Texas Rangers
In the 2019 season, the Texas Rangers finished with a record of 78-84.
The 2020 season saw the Rangers finish with a record of 22-38 in the shortened season, missing the playoffs.
In the 2021 season, the Rangers struggled and finished with a record of 60-102, missing the playoffs.
As of 2022, the Rangers’ performance improved slightly, finishing with a record of 67-95 but remained far from postseason contention.
Chicago Cubs Vs Texas Rangers Rivalry
| Season | Date | Venue | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | July 22 | Arlington, Texas | Cubs | 5-0 |
| 2013 | April 18 | Arlington, Texas | Cubs | 6-2 |
| 2016 | August 23 | Arlington, Texas | Rangers | 4-1 |
| 2019 | May 6 | Chicago, Illinois | Cubs | N/A |
| 2019 | May 6 | Chicago, Illinois | Rangers | N/A |
FAQs
When did the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers first face each other in an MLB game?
The Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers first faced each other during interleague play in the year 2000.
Do the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers have a traditional rivalry?
No, the Cubs and Rangers do not have a longstanding traditional rivalry. Their encounters are infrequent due to being from different leagues (NL and AL).
Have the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers ever met in the World Series?
As of my last update in September 2021, the Cubs and Rangers have not faced each other in the World Series.
What was the most recent game between the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers?
The most recent game between the Cubs and Rangers was played during the 2019 MLB season, as part of interleague play.
How many times have the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers played each other in MLB history?
The number of times the Cubs and Rangers have faced each other in MLB history may vary, as they meet primarily during interleague play and play in different leagues. For the most up-to-date information, it’s best to refer to MLB records or a sports database.
To Recap
While the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers do not share a deeply rooted traditional rivalry, their occasional encounters have produced notable moments on the baseball field.
Despite belonging to different leagues, the teams’ matchups during interleague play and regular-season games have provided opportunities for fans to witness exciting baseball action.
The Cubs’ passionate and storied fan base, bolstered by their historic World Series victory in 2016, contrasts with the Rangers’ growing and dedicated following, particularly in the baseball-rich state of Texas.
As the MLB landscape continues to evolve, these teams may meet again, adding further chapters to their history and leaving room for potential new iconic moments in their occasional interactions on the diamond.
