(CBS) Steve Bartman, the Cubs fan who infamously interfered on a key play in Game 6 of 2003 National League Championship Series and became a scapegoat amid Chicago’s eventual meltdown, will receive a 2016 World Series ring from the franchise, the team confirmed.
WGN-TV first reported the news Monday.
“On behalf of the entire Chicago Cubs organization, we are honored to present a 2016 World Series championship ring to Mr. Steve Bartman,” the Cubs told WGN in a statement. “We hope this provides closure on an unfortunate chapter of the story that has perpetuated throughout our quest to win a long-awaited World Series. While no gesture can fully lift the public burden he has endured for more than a decade, we felt it was important Steve knows he has been and continues to be fully embraced by this organization. After all he has sacrificed, we are proud to recognize Steve Bartman with this gift today.”
With the Cubs leading 3-0 in the eighth inning of Game 6 and only needing five outs to advance to the World Series, Bartman interfered with Cubs outfielder Moises Alou on a foul ball down the left-field line. The Marlins followed by plating eight runs to secure a victory and going on to win Game 7 as well. In the aftermath, Alou and manager Dusty Baker insinuated that Alou likely would’ve caught the ball and that the outcome would’ve been different. While there were many, many faults by the Cubs players in the final two games of the NLCS, Bartman became an easy scapegoat.
He’s since maintained a non-existent public profile. He did release a statement to WGN upon news that he’ll receive a World Series ring. In it, he called this gesture “the start of an important healing and reconciliation process for all involved” and asked that everyone continues to respect his privacy.
“I am deeply moved and sincerely grateful to receive an official Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Championship ring,” it read in part. “I am fully aware of the historical significance and appreciate the symbolism the ring represents on multiple levels. My family and I will cherish it for generations. Most meaningful is the genuine outreach from the Ricketts family, on behalf of the Cubs organization and fans, signifying to me that I am welcomed back into the Cubs family and have their support going forward. I am relieved and hopeful that the saga of the 2003 foul ball incident surrounding my family and me is finally over.”
from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2vYwgc7
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