Missing Crosstown Cup Fails to Dampen City Series Enthusiasm

This sports column highlights the renewed excitement surrounding the Chicago City Series between the Cubs and the White Sox, despite the mysterious absence of the Crosstown Cup trophy. Cubs manager Craig Counsell joked about not knowing if a trophy was even awarded, reflecting the complicated history of the prize, which has seen sponsors like BP and Wintrust fail to make it a cherished tradition. The 2026 series is notable for being the first time since 2008 that both Chicago teams are above .500 in a non-pandemic year, creating an electric atmosphere among fans. The Cubs entered the series leading the NL Central, while the White Sox were close behind in the AL Central. The coverage also mentions the strategic decision to broadcast all three games on The U, featuring former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, whose humorous promotional video harkens back to classic rivalry marketing. Although the physical trophy is missing, the competitive spirit and fan engagement remain high, marking a significant return to form for Chicago baseball rivalry.