Flashback #34: Cubs-Sox First Interleague Series (1997)

As of 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary on January 3rd, the station has begun to reveal (in chronological order) the Top 100 Chicago Sports Stories that have occurred since they first went on the air 20 years ago. Once all 100 of these "flashbacks" have been revealed, fans will be able to vote for which stories they believe are the most significant in the 20 year history of The Score. To see all of the Flashbacks that The Score has posted so far, please visit 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary page.

June 16, 1997 - Cubs-Sox play first Interleague game

At times, the disdain between the White Sox and Cubs is palpable.

Though the success of each team has little bearing on the other, the rivalry is considered one of the best in baseball.

In June of 1997, the two teams squared off for the first-ever Crosstown Classic. This became a staple of Major League Baseball's Interleague Play, which now takes place every season.

The Cubs and Sox now face off twice each season -- three games at Wrigley Field and three games at U.S. Cellular Field.

In Game 1 of the first ever Crosstown Classic, the Cubs edged the White Sox, 8-3, thanks to a three-hit performance and two RBIs from leadoff man Brian McRae.

Games 2 was quite the opposite as the White Sox took down the Cubs, 5-3. Chris Snopek's solo homer in the seventh inning solidified the victory for the South Siders.

In Game 3, the White Sox won the inaugural Crosstown Classic with a shutout, 3-0 victory behind nine innings of four-hit ball from Wilson Alvarez.

The Score will continue to release a new Flashback each weekday until they reach 100. Check back tomorrow for a new one, or check out all of the previous Flashbacks: 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary »