Fly the W Flag

The Legacy of the Cubs on Catalina Island 

When war was declared in 1941, the entire country mobilized to fight and that included Catalina Island which became both a training ground and a lookout station for the military.  During the war years, the Cubs stayed closer to home, but as soon as the war was over, spring training returned to Catalina Island.  The fun continued until 1952 when Mesa, Arizona was chosen to become the team's new training ground.

Catalina Island visitors will still find mementos of the golden days when the Cubs played in Avalon. The ballfield where the Cubs used to practice is long gone, but a plaque commemorates its location.

What hasn't dimmed over the years is the love local island residents have for Chicago's team.  Island visitors will see the distinctive Fly the W Flag on local businesses.  In 2016, when the Cubs won the World Series, the cheers echoed throughout Avalon Canyon and Take Me Out to the Ballgame was played on the Catalina Chimes. 

Back in Chicago, the Cubs themselves have never forgotten their roots on the island.  In 2019, Wrigley Field opened three private clubs including the Catalina Club in honor of those many years when the Cubs welcomed spring on Catalina Island. 

When William Wrigley, Jr. purchased the Catalina Island Company in 1919 from the Banning Brothers, he also bought the Wilmington Transportation Company.  The "W" flag was originally flown around Catalina Island and Wrigley Field as an indication of the Wilmington Transportation Co.  Over time, the "W" was raised at Wrigley Field to indicate a "Win" for the Chicago Cubs.  Though the Wilmington Transportation Company no longer exists, the "W" is still flown and is symbolic of Catalina's connection to Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs and to the Wrigley family.