In an announcement that sent the entire Wrigley Field headquarters into a frenzy, ESPN officially honored the Chicago Cubs with a brand new and prestigious award: the “Team Culture Award,” recognizing the spirit of unity, kindness, and values the Cubs have instilled in the entire baseball community over the past year.
This is more than just a trophy — it’s a testament to a cultural ecosystem built from the sweat, loyalty, and sacrifice of an entire organization. And tonight, MLB is looking at the Cubs in a different light: a team that wins with heart, before it wins with the scoreboard.
ESPN said it wanted to create an award “to honor the teams that create the strongest culture, that inspire the most deeply in their fans, their communities, and the next generation of young athletes.”
And the first name chosen — Chicago Cubs.
An ESPN content director said at the ceremony:
“Cubs don’t just play ball. They build a family. They make Wrigley Field a home of faith and character.”
Those words brought the entire stadium to its feet. Not because the Cubs are perfect — but because they are real. They fight together, fall together, and then find a way to get back up together.
Not many teams have a culture as clearly identified as the Cubs. ESPN highlighted three factors that led them to this special award:
The Cubs are considered to have one of the “most stable, united, and humane” locker rooms in MLB.
Veterans mentor rookies, team meetings not only analyze games but also share lives, and the “We Before Me” spirit becomes a guiding principle for the entire organization.
No team has a more emotional connection to the community than the Cubs. ESPN describes the Cubs as “never seeing fans as spectators, but as part of the team.”
From hospital visits, to children’s charities, to organizing events for fans with disabilities — the Cubs have always been a team that “comes to love,” not just to play.
The Cubs regularly host mental health and wellness programs, and volunteer activities within the organization.
Many players share that wearing a Cubs uniform “is not just a job — it’s a responsibility to do better every day.”
In its keynote address, ESPN emphasized:
“The Team Culture Award isn’t about the team that has the most success; it’s about the team that has the most impact. And over the past year, no one has done it better than the Chicago Cubs.”
The award is a testament to the fact that culture—not just numbers—builds legacy.
When the news broke, Wrigley Field was rocked. Fans hugged, waved flags, and many cried tears of pride.
An emotional Cubs player shared:
“We want to build a team where our kids will be proud to say, ‘This is where I played.’ This award proves we’re on the right track.”
ESPN concluded that the Cubs have become the “gold standard” for modern-day team culture:
Respect
Engagement
Humanity
Authenticity
In an era where many teams chase titles, the Cubs choose to build people. And so they won in the most profound way.
The award from ESPN added a new chapter to Cubs history: not just the dramatic seasons, not just the 2016 trophy, but now a cultural legacy.
A legacy that will resonate forever — even after tonight’s applause has died down.
The Chicago Cubs. Their culture — now recognized across America.
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