CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago baseball fans are celebrating after both the White Sox and Cubs secured spots in the postseason, setting the stage for what many hope will be an extended October run for both teams.
The final Cubs-Red Sox game Saturday in Boston will be moved to Florida on Sunday as a storm approaches Boston, the teams announced.
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The White Sox were already expecting a large crowd for Hispanic Heritage Night, but anticipation grew after the team clinched a playoff berth. Across the city, Cubs fans also had reason to celebrate as their team punched its ticket to the postseason.
At Grandstand Sports, located a few blocks from Sox Park, merchandise commemorating both teams’ playoff appearances has quickly become a popular item.
“It’ll be crazy if it’s a Cubs versus White Sox. It’s hard to say, but that’ll be crazy,” said Sox fan Cris Juarez.
The store is also selling the caps the White Sox will wear during the playoffs. Employees and owners said the postseason creates a significant boost for business.
“Having extra games beyond our normal season. It means everything!” said Josh Ganal of Grandstand.
“To have them clinch their spot, get into the playoffs on the same day two minutes apart is unbelievable. Something I’ll never forget,” said Grandstand owner Stephanie Ganal.
Outside the ballpark, White Sox fans celebrated before the game, reflecting on the team’s turnaround over the past two years.
“Coming from where the socks were two years ago would you have expected this? Not at all. A great surprise,” said Sox fan Benny Senteno.
“One of the greatest comebacks in the history of Major league baseball. 23 games more than last year. I think the manager should be manager of the year,” said Sox fan Sean Corbett.
Chicago Tribune sports columnist Paul Sullivan, who has covered both teams for decades, said the season has been among the most enjoyable he can remember.
“Hopefully they can both make it to the World Series or maybe one of them. But if not, I think both seasons were enjoyable and worth the price of admission,” Sullivan said.
The Cubs and White Sox have met in the World Series only once, in 1906, when the White Sox won. Both teams have clinched wild-card spots, but each remains in contention to host playoff games, while the White Sox are also seeking to win their division.
For now, fans on both sides of Chicago are embracing a rare moment: both of the city’s baseball teams heading to the postseason at the same time.
Major League Baseball moved a regular-season series finale between the Red Sox and Chicago Cubs from Fenway Park to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, because of a weekend storm threat in the Boston area.
The original schedule had a three-game series between the playoff-bound teams with games Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Because of the forecast of heavy rains and high wind gusts, MLB on Wednesday rescheduled Sunday’s game as part of a doubleheader Friday.
After the Red Sox won the first game of the doubleheader 4-3, MLB announced Saturday’s game had been moved to the home of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Both teams planned to travel to Florida after Friday’s second game. The Red Sox won again with a final score of 2-0.
Red Sox manager Chad Tracy told his team on Thursday to pack for an 11-day trip, just to be sure. Boston plays at the New York Yankees in a best-of-three Wild Card Series starting Tuesday.
“Pack for the next week and a half and be ready to roll,” Tracy recalled telling his players. “It’s strange. You usually know who you’re going to play and when you’re going to lay them. … At least we’re prepared to leave.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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