I know that in 1902 the cubs became the cubs but does anyone know why or what inspired it?

Answer 1

In 1902, the Chicago Tribune used the name in reference to the number of young players the team had at the time. It had been thrown around before, but they were the first to use it in print.

At that point in 1902, they were known as the Orphans (terrible name). The "Cubs" name caught on, and was changed the next season.

Answer 2

A reporter for the Chicago Daily News coined the phrase in 1902 referring to the amount of young players on their team. Previously they had been referred to as the Chicago White Stockings, Colts, and the Orphans. The Cubs officially adopted the name in 1907.

Answer 3

Both of the previous answers are right, but I have to add a little note about the name "Orphans". That also was given by sports writers after Cap Anson "abandoned " the team. In those days. most teams did not have an "official" name, they were usually given one by the local sportswriters. I believe that, to this day, the "official" name of the Cubs is actually "The Chicago National League Ballclub".