Brewers vs Cubs Rivalry: A Deep Dive into One of Baseball’s Most Heated Battles



ision contention year after year, rivalry is inevitable. The **Brewers vs Cubs rivalry** (sometimes called the I-94 rivalry) is built on geographic closeness, divisional stakes, passionate fan bases, and memorable moments. As the two squads meet in regular season showdowns and now postseason matchups, fans and analysts frequently raise many questions about what makes this rivalry special, where it stands historically, and how recent seasons have intensified the competition. Below is a detailed report that blends narrative, data, and answers to the questions people most want to know—all in a form that SEO and readers alike will find engaging.

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## Origins and Significance of the Rivalry

The Brewers and Cubs first met in 1997 under the old interleague structure, but the real rivalry began after the Brewers moved from the American League to the National League Central. Being in the same division put them in direct competition annually for playoff spots, divisional titles, and bragging rights. The name “I-94 rivalry” comes from the interstate connecting the two cities, underscoring how close proximity fuels fan travel, cross-market tension, and shared media coverage.

Over time, this rivalry has evolved into one of the more competitive and heated in Major League Baseball’s National League Central. Because both teams often vie for top division positions, each head-to-head series can carry extra weight. The arguments, chants, and on-field drama also feed the intensity.

In recent years, moves such as the Cubs hiring longtime Brewers manager Craig Counsell inflamed the rivalry further. For Brewers fans, seeing someone from “the other side” adding to the Cubs' success feels like betrayal. Meanwhile, Cubs fans point to their larger market and media exposure and sometimes flood Brewers home games, earning jokes like “Wrigley North” for Chicago’s presence in Milwaukee games.

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## Key Questions Fans Ask — and Their Answers

**1. When did the Brewers and Cubs rivalry start in earnest?**
While they played occasional interleague games early on, the rivalry really began when Milwaukee shifted into the NL Central and started facing Chicago annually. That shift made each matchup a meaningful division contest.

**2. Why do fans care so much about these matchups?**
Because they directly influence playoff positioning, and because the fan bases often overlap in travel and local media markets. The proximity allows Cubs fans to attend Milwaukee games and vice versa, which fuels emotional intensity in stadiums.

**3. What are the most memorable moments in this rivalry?**
A notable moment is the 2018 Game 163, which served as a tiebreaker for the NL Central division title. The Brewers won that matchup in Chicago, which gave them the division crown. That game is often cited as a rivalry highlight because it felt like playoff stakes—even though it was a regular season extension.

**4. What is their head-to-head record and recent performance?**
Through 2025, the record swings back and forth. In the 2025 regular season, the Cubs narrowly won the season series (7 wins to 6) despite Milwaukee having the best overall record in MLB. The closeness underscores how evenly matched these teams typically are.

**5. Have they met in the postseason before?**
As of 2025, yes. The 2025 National League Division Series marks the first time these rivals faced off in the postseason era. Previously, their playoff paths had avoided crossing.

**6. Who are the top players or storylines to watch in this matchup?**
Names like Jackson Chourio for the Brewers and Michael Busch for the Cubs have gained attention. Pitching matchups, bullpen depth, and who handles pressure best often decide these clashes. Add to that any injuries, managerial decisions, and momentum swings—these games frequently hinge on those secondary storylines.

**7. What was the result of their playoff series in 2025?**
In 2025, their postseason faceoff saw high drama. In Game 1, Milwaukee exploded with six runs in the first inning, backing that with scoring in later innings to take control. However, the Cubs responded later in the series, even forcing a Game 5 after a dominant 6–0 win in Game 4. The series outcome hinged on small margins, showing how intense this rivalry can be in playoff form.

**8. What makes this rivalry likely to remain relevant in coming years?**
Because both teams often contend, because the geography and fan overlap remain, and because each season brings new layers—coaching moves, rookies breaking out, roster changes, and high-stakes games. Rivalries thrive when both sides stay competitive, and the Brewers vs Cubs rivalry is built for the long haul.

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Narrative Around the 2025 Season and Postseason

The 2025 season gave renewed fuel to this rivalry. Milwaukee posted the best overall record among all MLB teams, while Chicago managed to win more head-to-head games against the Brewers. That paradox underscores just how tight their contests tend to be.

When the postseason bracket finally brought them face to face, it was a moment many fans had waited for. For Milwaukee, it was the chance to finally settle postseason dominance; for Chicago, the chance to avenge years of regular-season slights. The series featured offensive explosions, solid bullpen outings, and sweeping swings in momentum.

Fans across both cities watched nervously. In Milwaukee, “Cubs fans” jokes and signs of animosity are not new, but postseason intensity raises stakes. In Chicago, watching a rival’s success adds extra tension to every play, every managerial move, every error.

Because the series went nearly the distance, it gave both fan bases renewed stories, nostalgia, and fodder for rivalry lore. Every error, homer, and critical pitch will live in replayed video and conversation for seasons to come.




The Brewers vs Cubs rivalry blends geography, fate, competition, and emotion. It’s not just about two teams playing baseball—it’s about pride, history, and continuity. The 2025 season added a new chapter with their first postseason clash, and the questions fans ask show that this rivalry isn’t going anywhere. As long as both clubs remain competitive and their fans remain passionate, every meeting between them will matter—and will be watched closely.