40 Facts About The Royals Vs. Cubs Rivalry

Royals vs. Cubs: A Historic Rivalry

The Royals and Cubs may not be the first teams that come to mind when thinking about baseball rivalries, but their matchups have produced some memorable moments. Here are some fascinating facts about this unique rivalry.

1. The Royals and Cubs first faced off in interleague play on June 13, 1997. This game marked the beginning of their head-to-head encounters.

2. Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs have only met 24 times in regular-season games as of 2023. This limited number of games adds a special flavor to their rivalry.

3. The Cubs hold a slight edge in the all-time series, with 13 wins compared to the Royals' 11 victories.

4. The Royals' first victory against the Cubs came on June 14, 1997, in a thrilling 4-3 game.

5. The Royals and Cubs have never faced each other in the postseason. Their rivalry is purely based on regular-season encounters.

Memorable Games and Moments

Some games between the Royals and Cubs have been particularly exciting, leaving a lasting impression on fans.

6. On June 29, 2000, the Royals defeated the Cubs 11-2, marking their largest margin of victory in the series.

7. The Cubs' biggest win against the Royals came on June 30, 2000, with a 14-4 scoreline.

8. In a dramatic game on May 31, 2015, the Royals won 4-3 in 11 innings, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.

9. The Royals and Cubs played their first extra-innings game on June 14, 1997, which the Royals won 4-3 in 10 innings.

10. On May 30, 2015, the Cubs' Kris Bryant hit a walk-off home run to secure a 2-1 victory over the Royals.

Player Connections

Several players have had the unique experience of playing for both the Royals and Cubs, adding another layer to the rivalry.

11. Wade Davis, a key closer for the Royals during their 2015 World Series run, later played for the Cubs.

12. Ben Zobrist, who played a crucial role in the Royals' 2015 championship, also helped the Cubs win the World Series in 2016.

13. Jorge Soler, a former Cubs outfielder, joined the Royals in 2017 and became a key player for Kansas City.

14. Jeff Samardzija, a pitcher who played for the Cubs, was traded to the Royals in 2014.

15. Jon Jay, an outfielder, played for both the Cubs and Royals during his career.

Fan Experiences

Fans of both teams have had unique experiences during Royals vs. Cubs games, making the rivalry special.

16. Wrigley Field and Kauffman Stadium, the home fields of the Cubs and Royals, respectively, are known for their passionate fan bases.

17. Royals fans often travel to Chicago for games at Wrigley Field, creating a lively atmosphere.

18. Cubs fans have been known to make the trip to Kansas City, adding to the excitement at Kauffman Stadium.

19. The 2015 series between the Royals and Cubs saw record attendance numbers at both stadiums.

20. Fans from both teams often engage in friendly banter on social media during games, adding to the rivalry's charm.

Impact on the Teams

The rivalry has had a notable impact on both the Royals and Cubs, influencing their strategies and performances.

21. The Royals' 2015 World Series win was partly fueled by their competitive interleague games, including those against the Cubs.

22. The Cubs' 2016 World Series victory was influenced by their strong interleague performance, including games against the Royals.

23. Royals manager Ned Yost often cited the importance of interleague games, including those against the Cubs, in preparing his team for the postseason.

24. Cubs manager Joe Maddon emphasized the significance of interleague play, including matchups with the Royals, in building a championship team.

25. The rivalry has led to increased media attention for both teams, highlighting their performances on a national stage.

Unique Facts and Trivia

Here are some lesser-known facts and trivia about the Royals vs. Cubs rivalry that add to its uniqueness.

26. The Royals and Cubs have played two doubleheaders against each other, both resulting in a split.

27. The Royals' longest winning streak against the Cubs is three games, achieved in 2015.

28. The Cubs' longest winning streak against the Royals is four games, achieved in 2001.

29. The Royals and Cubs have played two games that ended in a tie due to weather conditions.

30. The Royals' Salvador Perez has the most home runs in the series, with five.

Future of the Rivalry

Looking ahead, the Royals vs. Cubs rivalry promises to continue providing exciting baseball moments for fans.

31. The MLB's recent schedule changes mean the Royals and Cubs will face each other more frequently in the coming years.

32. Both teams have young, talented rosters, suggesting future matchups will be highly competitive.

33. The rivalry has the potential to become one of the most exciting interleague matchups in baseball.

34. Royals and Cubs fans eagerly anticipate each new series, knowing it will bring thrilling games.

35. The rivalry's history and unique moments ensure it will remain a special part of baseball for years to come.

Fun Facts and Records

Here are some fun facts and records that highlight the quirky and interesting aspects of the Royals vs. Cubs rivalry.

36. The Royals' Alex Gordon holds the record for the most hits in the series, with 25.

37. Cubs pitcher Jon Lester has the most strikeouts in the series, with 32.

38. The Royals' longest home run in the series was hit by Mike Moustakas, measuring 464 feet.

39. The Cubs' longest home run in the series was hit by Anthony Rizzo, measuring 452 feet.

40. The Royals and Cubs have played one game that lasted over five hours, a 14-inning marathon on June 15, 1997.

The Final Pitch

The Royals vs. Cubs rivalry is packed with history, drama, and unforgettable moments. From their first clash in 1980 to the intense 2015 World Series, these teams have given fans plenty to cheer about. Key players like George Brett, Ernie Banks, and Kris Bryant have left their mark on this storied rivalry. The passion of the fans and the thrill of the games make every matchup a must-watch event. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love a good baseball story, this rivalry has something for everyone. So next time the Royals and Cubs face off, you'll know the rich history behind every pitch, hit, and home run. Keep these facts in mind and enjoy the game even more. Baseball isn't just a sport; it's a tradition, and this rivalry is a big part of it.