Cubs vs. White Sox (Chicago, Springfield: transplants, apartment, neighborhoods)

[LDurbin]

Here's just a silly question:

I know it may sound like stupid question, but Is there any dividing line between "territories"? Like, are certain neighborhoods designated Cubs 'hoods and Sox 'hoods, or is it a south side/north side designation? I understand Wrigleyville is obvious, and I know someone will tell me here that they're a Sox fan in a Cubs 'hood (or vice versa) if this thing is true.

My apartment is in West Town, so if my silly inquiry has some validity, please someone tell me it's NOT a Cubs territory (life long Cards fan)!

[Montclare]

There's some cross pollination, sure (I'm a life long northsider who's also a life long Sox fan), but mostly it is North side Vs. South side. I'd definitely say West Town goes more for the Cubs. In part, it's north side, but also you have a lot of transplants. Most people who move here from out of state and choose a baseball team generally choose the Cubs, partly because they're better known nationwide, and partly because people would rather watch a game and party in Lakeview than in Bridgeport.

[soulful]

Is it true that a greater proportion of Sox fans are "blue collar"? I've always heard this, but never really saw any demographic data.

Various fan cohorts must have been polled as to occupation. Otherwise, advertisers would be at a loss.
Would be most curious to know.

[ForYourLungsOnly]

Originally Posted by Montclare

and partly because people would rather watch a game and party in Lakeview than in Bridgeport.

hahaha this is hilarious...and probably party why I am a Cubs fan....although I live in Wicker Park so the Cubs are on "my part of town" if you want a more legitimate reason (though the partying in Lakeview part is probably more accuate).

Actually, Edit: I think I am a Cubs fan because I am ALSO a Pirates fan...two downtrodden teams that are usually awful. The Cubs were just a natural transition from the Buccos for me.

[soulful]

Here is a link to an interesting story that breaks down the demographics of the two fan bases:

Stats show Cubs, Sox fans are similar - Chicago Tribune

Both are very similar. Sox fans appear to be a touch more religious (or maybe that's within the margin of error).

[LDurbin]

Haha, nice article, Soulful.

I grew up in Springfield, IL, the near half point between Cardinal loyalty and Cub loyalty. Like I said, I'm a Cards fan for life, but I've also been able to look at the fans objectively. I do not mean to offend anyone, as I do know Cub fans who are nice, normal folks, but nearly all of the Cub fans in my hometown are obnoxious buffoons! (Granted, the standard Cards fan is usually a bible-thumping redneck).

My main fear, based on my silly Cub fan prejudice, is that being in the epicenter of the Cubs is going to drive me crazy!

Also, I only know one true Sox fan (my roommate, actually). He is a buffoon in his own right.

I guess my question is: Is it the team that makes the fan a buffoon or is it the city?

Again, no offense.

[ForYourLungsOnly]

most fans of most teams are buffoons

[LDurbin]

touche.

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by ForYourLungsOnly

...although I live in Wicker Park so the Cubs are on "my part of town" if you want a more legitimate reason (though the partying in Lakeview part is probably more accuate).

When I was growing up West Siders were split between being Sox and Cubs fans with most people in Resurrection (a heavily Irish parish) being Sox fans. It seems now though that many white West Siders, especially young transplants, would rather identify themselves as North Siders, a shame really.

[jwaiter]