STEVE BARTMAN, THE infamous Chicago Cubs supporter who was ostracized after a 2003 playoff incident where he interfered with a potential catch, was awarded a World Series championship ring today by the MLB champions.
Bartman was loathed and harangued for years as part of the “cursed” Cubs, his attempt to grab a foul ball while in a front-row seat at Wrigley Field foiled Cubs outfielder Moises Alou’s attempt to catch it in the eighth inning of the sixth game of the 2003 National League Championship Series.
The tale, subject of the ESPN film Catching Hell, became an epic in American sports lore because the Cubs, who led the game 3-0 and the best-of-seven series 3-2, went on to surrender eight runs in the inning and lost the game to Florida 8-3 and dropped the series to the Marlins in seven games.
Last year, the Cubs won the World Series for the first time since 1908, ending the longest championship drought in North American sports history by defeating the Cleveland Indians in the dramatic seventh game of the World Series, ending the “curse.”
That provided the chance for the Cubs to repay Bartman in some measure for the suffering he underwent for his actions in the playoff game 14 years ago.
“I am relieved and hopeful that the saga of the 2003 foul ball incident surrounding my family and me is finally over,” Bartman said in a statement.
Although I do not consider myself worthy of such an honour, I am deeply moved and sincerely grateful to receive an official Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series championship ring.
“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.”
Bartman was presented with the ring in the offices of Cubs owner Tom Ricketts.
“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,” Ricketts said.
Bartman also received a tour of Wrigley Field, where his seat has become a mini-tourist attraction as his saga is recalled.
Bartman rose to try and catch a foul ball hit by Luis Castillo, not realizing Alou was racing over to make a leaping attempt to grab the ball for what would have been a crucial out.
After Bartman deflected the ball from Alou’s glove, the frustrated left-fielder took off his glove and hurled it to the ground, yelling at several fans.
As the game continued and the Cubs collapse came, Bartman had to be escorted by security out of the ballpark, one fan dumping a beer upon him in anger. Police guarded his home and he changed his phone number while rejecting appearance requests.
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I wonder how long it takes him to sign a few Irish in Bristol? Not saying it’s a bad thing but as he said he knows how good some of these players are
@Chris Mcdonnell: Well he’s already got Mads!
@RMcG: fair point I forgot about him but I was taking more about young players maybe second in line at their clubs.
I’m delighted for marmion. He got total of 6 minutes in the first two south African tests and was then replaced for the third by a player who had just announced his international retirement. He was clearly a player who deserved better than that and it took an injury to Murray to get his chance to show it. Still prefer Murray but Al least now we know that we have two 9s and 10s capable of playing.
Better than Murray potentially
@Alan Barber: that’s silly talk. Can you just not say he’s a fantastic player.
@Chris Mcdonnell: No. No I can’t Christmas Bells.
@Chris Mcdonnell: Chris this Alan b is like a sepsis on the 42. He lives on the soccer articles spewing about Man U or Liverpool can’t tell which as I don’t engage and now unfortunately he has infected the rugby comments.
My advice would be not to acknowledge him and hopefully he gets a job or something in the meantime
@bobby henderson: can just mute him. That’s what I did
There is no better preparation for playing Test Rugby, than actually playing test rugby. Critical that Murray has a deputy that is totally armed top step in when required. But is should not require injury to Murray for Marmion (or AN Other scrumhalf) to get sufficient game time to progress…
his big hots playing on the wing against Australia changed Joe’s perception of him
Marmion should be considered just as “cover” for Murray. He’s a different type of player and one that should be used when the strategy is complimented by his skillset. His consistent speed of delivery is top-drawer and he has the speed and eye for a gap to keep fringe defenses from taking short-cuts.
@Dennis Laffey: indeed it’s his eye for a gap that sets him apart from Murray. Marmion is such a nuggety little player, bristles with intent with or without the ball. If your an opposition nine he must drive you demented….
For me Murray rarely breaks whether it’s strategy or. choice,but it’s an oddity for a nine of his size who is by no means slow.
But it astonishes me given how much team’s target Sexton, that he doesn’t carry the ball up more himself and keep opposition backrows guessing….
Have some decorum, Daragh, its’ free