There are very few cities in the world, let alone the country, that can boast of having a sports heritage like that of Chicago. Whether it is football, basketball, ice hockey or baseball, Chicago teams have at one time or another dominated these much-loved sports, winning championships and tournaments. As a result, the past and the present of Chicago’s sports scene is jam-packed with interesting facts and figures that every sports fan should know.
Now, before revealing some of the monumental moments from Chicago’s sports legacy, it’s interesting to know that when it comes to betting, Chicago teams, irrespective of the sports, often tend to be the top contenders these days. Whether it is the latest Super-Bowl odds, NBA predictions, of Stanley Cup options, if you are looking to invest in sports, always keep a close eye on teams that originate from Chicago.
The Stanley Cup Underdogs
Chicago’s many teams have often been the leaders in their respective sports. Still, there have been moments when Chicago was the underdog with massive, and often underappreciated talent. In 1938, when the Chicago Blackhawks were playing Toronto Maple Leafs for the Stanley Cup, it is said that the actual trophy was shipped to Toronto before the game. Taken from the previous year’s winner, Detroit Red Wings, everyone thought that it would be impossible for the Blackhawks to beat the Maple Leafs. Imagine how awkward they felt when the Blackhawks defeated their rivals three games to one in the finals.
First African-American Quarterback in NFL
The Chicago Bears was the first team in the NFL to have an African-American quarterback in 1953. Willie Thrower, popularly known as Mitts, played in only one game at the prime football position. As a result, this particular game is an integral part of NFL history, especially since it would be a decade and a half before the NFL saw another African-American quarterback.
The Cubs Fan Rule
An unwritten, but passionately followed, rule by the fans of the Chicago Cubs is that if anyone catches the opponent’s home run ball in the bleachers, they have to throw it back on the field. If not, the fans are known to boo the person into throwing it back. To go around this “rule”, some fans bring an extra ball with them to throw back so that they can keep the game-ball with them.
The Talented Mr. Mike Ditka
There are very few sport stars in this world who continue to be a part of a game after their time as a player has come to an end. The famous Iron Mike Ditka is one legendary sportsman who made championship appearances in the NFL first as a player for Chicago, then a head coach, also for Chicago, and finally as an assistant coach for Dallas.
The Race for Olympics
A little-known fact about Chicago is that it was in the race to host the 2016 Olympics. Moreover, the city reached the final rounds before losing out to Rio in the end. Previously, Chicago had hosted the Pan American Games in 1959, and it shouldn’t be long before we once again witness an international competition take place here.
