JBMoney
06-09-04, 08:58 PM
Chicago Sun-Times (http://www.suntimes.com/output/sports/cst-spt-rival09.html) - The best sports rivalries are defined by great moments, classic games and unforgettable personalities. While the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry has been in the heart of Midwesterners for generations, it was brought into the national spotlight when sluggers Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire waged their epic home-run battles beginning in 1998.
With players from both sides trading verbal jabs, the rivalry became a focal point again last September during a five-game series at Wrigley Field. Amid a series of controversy, brushbacks and bad blood, the Cubs won four games, knocking the Cardinals from atop the National League Central en route to eventually winning the division.
Cardinals legend Stan Musial has long referred to Cubs-Cardinals as the finest rivalry in the game. Expansion and interleague play have created fun geographical matchups like Cubs-White Sox, Yankees-Mets, Dodgers-Angels, Cardinals-Royals, etc., but they don't bring with them the deep-rooted passion or tradition. In fact, some once-fun rivalries, such as Reds-Dodgers, have been lost.
Here's a look at 20 other top rivalries, some classics and others just taking shape:
The Whole Story (http://www.suntimes.com/output/sports/cst-spt-rival09.html)
With players from both sides trading verbal jabs, the rivalry became a focal point again last September during a five-game series at Wrigley Field. Amid a series of controversy, brushbacks and bad blood, the Cubs won four games, knocking the Cardinals from atop the National League Central en route to eventually winning the division.
Cardinals legend Stan Musial has long referred to Cubs-Cardinals as the finest rivalry in the game. Expansion and interleague play have created fun geographical matchups like Cubs-White Sox, Yankees-Mets, Dodgers-Angels, Cardinals-Royals, etc., but they don't bring with them the deep-rooted passion or tradition. In fact, some once-fun rivalries, such as Reds-Dodgers, have been lost.
Here's a look at 20 other top rivalries, some classics and others just taking shape:
The Whole Story (http://www.suntimes.com/output/sports/cst-spt-rival09.html)