
brewers vs cubs
Introduction to the Brewers vs Cubs Rivalry
Few rivalries in Major League Baseball capture the raw energy and passion of fans quite like the Brewers vs Cubs matchup. While it may not carry the same century-old weight as Yankees vs Red Sox, the rivalry between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs has blossomed into one of the most exciting and heated contests in the National League Central Division.
Why does it matter so much? For one, geography plays a huge role. Milwaukee and Chicago are just about 90 miles apart, making it one of the shortest commutes in MLB. This close distance fuels fan travel, with Cubs fans filling seats at American Family Field and Brewers fans invading Wrigley Field. This isn’t just about two teams—it’s about two cities and two cultures colliding every time they play.
The Brewers vs Cubs rivalry is unique because it blends tradition with modern energy. The Cubs bring with them a legacy stretching back over 100 years, while the Brewers represent a younger, scrappier team that has steadily built a reputation as one of the most competitive franchises in recent decades. Every series feels like more than just baseball—it’s pride on the line for both cities.
Early History of the Chicago Cubs
To understand the Brewers vs Cubs rivalry, you have to appreciate the Cubs’ history. Established in 1876, the Cubs are one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball. They’ve given the sport legends like Ernie Banks, Rye Sandburg, and Sammy Sosa. Their home field, Wrigley Field, is an icon not just in Chicago but across the baseball world. Known for its ivy-covered outfield walls, rooftop bleachers, and lively atmosphere, Wrigley Field is more than a ballpark—it’s a cultural landmark.
For decades, the Cubs carried the “Lovable Losers” tag, famously enduring a 108-year championship drought until their historic 2016 World Series win. That victory didn’t just end a curse—it revitalised the Cubs fan base and intensified rivalries with their divisional opponents, including the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Cubs’ long legacy means that when they face the Brewers, they carry not just current rosters into the game but also decades of tradition and fan passion. Brewers fans, naturally, love nothing more than spoiling Chicago’s baseball pride.

The Rise of the Milwaukee Brewer
The Milwaukee Brewers joined MLB as an expansion team in 1969, originally as the Seattle Pilots before relocating to Wisconsin in 1970. Compared to the Cubs, the Brewers are the younger sibling in the rivalry. Yet, what they lack in age, they make up for in spirit and fan loyalty.
Milwaukee’s home field, American Family Field (formerly Miller Park), is famous for its retractable roof, lively tailgating scene, and of course, the beloved racing sausages. Brewers fans are known for their passionate support, even when the team has gone through rebuilding phases.
In recent decades, the Brewers have built a reputation for producing exciting rosters. With stars like Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Ryan Braun, and more recently, Christian Yelich, the Brewers have shown they can stand toe-to-toe with larger-market teams like the Cubs. For Milwaukee fans, beating Chicago always feels like validation against a bigger, louder neighbor.
The Origins of the Rivalry
So how did this rivalry truly begin? The answer lies in both geography and divisional realignment. When the Brewers moved from the American League to the National League in 1998, they suddenly became division rivals with the Cubs in the NL Central. That move instantly turned Brewers vs Cubs games into frequent, high-stakes showdowns.
The close distance between Milwaukee and Chicago also plays a role. Fans can easily travel up or down I-94 to catch games in person. This creates an unusual dynamic where Brewers vs Cubs games often have a near 50/50 split in fan support, especially in Milwaukee. For Brewers players, it sometimes feels like an away game in their own stadium when Cubs fans flood the stands.
These conditions—frequent games, close proximity, and passionate fan bases—laid the foundation for one of the most fiery rivalries in modern baseball.

Memorable Brewers vs Cubs Games
Every rivalry is built on unforgettable moments, and Brewers vs Cubs is no exception. Some games have stood out as classics, shaping the intensity of the matchup for years to come.
One of the most famous came in 2018, when the two teams played a tiebreaker game for the NL Central Division title. The Brewers stunned the Cubs at Wrigley Field, winning 3–1 and clinching the division. For Brewers fans, this was a moment of pure joy—toppling their bigger neighbor in the most dramatic fashion possible. For Cubs fans, it was heartbreak and a reminder that Milwaukee was no longer the little brother in the rivalry.
Other memorable games include extra-inning thrillers, walk-off home runs, and pitching duels that left fans breathless. Each season seems to add another chapter, another highlight reel, and another story that Brewers and Cubs fans will argue about for years to come.
