The Cardinals and the Cubs have faced each other more than 2,000 times, with passion and sometimes bitterness. On Friday night, they begin one of the most significant chapters in their rivalry in a five-game National League division series.
From Chicago to St. Louis, and especially in the gray area of Central Illinois known as the Downstate Line, fans will argue for the greatness of their chosen team.
It has been going on for years. Here are 10 key moments in the century-old rivalry.
1885 and 1886: The Cardinals, then known as the Browns, faced the Cubs, then known as the White Stockings, in two postseason series between the champions of the American Association and the National League.