This collection of 21 essays examines the role of baseball's Cubs in the history and politics of Chicago. Focusing on topics such as the rise of a nationwide fan base through the long reach of superstation WGN; the local uses and views of icons Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, and Ryne Sandberg; historical divides along lines of race (on the field) and class (in the stands); Wrigley Field as a public space both sacred and cursed; the importance of local and nationwide media coverage in developing the fan base; and the Cubs' impact on Chicago music and literature, the collection explores ties between team and town from a wide range of perspectives.