A new dawn of Chicago baseball

On Feb. 10, pitchers and catchers across Major League Baseball (MLB) first reported to their respective camps. Just four days later, on Feb. 14, the rest of the rosters reported to camp. This marks the beginning of the near nine-month rollercoaster that is the MLB season. All teams go into spring training in hopes of one thing: raising the Commissioner’s Trophy; however, only one team can win. This year is shaking up to be one of the most eventful baseball seasons on both sides of town in recent Chicago history. 

“It will be really fun to see the Cubs and White Sox compete and play for the title of best Chicago baseball team,” senior Johnny Brennan said. “I’d like to see [both teams] succeed, so watching the rivalry between the two teams will be entertaining.” 

The city of Chicago has long awaited this event because the last time both the Cubs and White Sox finished the season with more wins than losses was 2008. In 2008 both ends of the town had playoff baseball, and since then the city hasn’t seen the two teams competitive at the same time. 

“I am really excited to see what’s in store,” senior Will Ahern said. “I do not think they could have had a better off-season, and [I] am looking forward to seeing how it plays out.”

Despite a surge of additions on the South Side, the North Sider’s major additions this off-season were not as widespread, but very well could be the most impactful. This off-season, the White Sox seemed to enter the final stage of their rebuild signing big-name players: Yasmani Grandal, Edwin Encarnacion and Dallas Keuchel. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs hired former catcher and fan-favorite David Ross to be their new manager. Ross lacks managerial experience, but the talent led by Anthony Rizzo, Javier Báez, Kris Bryant and recently acquired Northbrook native, Jason Kipnis, can not be overlooked.

“David Ross puts a whole new perspective on this team,” freshmen Ryder Kohl said. “Do not sleep on this team this year.” 

However, not all Cubs fans have been this positive about their signing. 

“I think the signing [of David Ross] was really bad for them,” junior Trent Lawrence said. “He played with some of the players, and I think he will not be taken seriously.” 

Like everywhere there are pessimists and optimists about baseball in the Windy City. With the season around the corner, the date all baseball fans have circled is July 7: the first meeting between the Cubs and Sox during the regular season. Until then the debate between which Chicago team reigns superior will remain very active.

“This upcoming season will be one everyone wants to watch,” sophomore Fiona Cunningham said. “Both teams are going to be very exciting this season, and hopefully[they] can win some big playoff games.”