All is forgiven for the Cubs’ fan who helped the Marlins win the 2003 World Series.
Monday afternoon, it was announced that the Chicago Cubs organization will present Steve Bartman with an official 2016 World Series Championship ring.
Bartman is infamous for costing the Cubs a chance to go to the World Series when he interfered with left fielder Moises Alou who attempted to make a catch in the stands during Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS.
That snafu allowed the Marlins to come-from-behind and win Game 6, win Game 7 and go on to win the World Series. Tormented Cubs fans used Bartman as a scapegoat to project their frustrations for the curse of long-running World Series drought.
But it’s all over now and Cubs’ owner Tom Ricketts said its a time for celebration.
"On behalf of the entire Chicago Cubs organization, we are honored to present a 2016 World Series Championship Ring to Mr. Steve Bartman," Ricketts told WGN in a written 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.”
Here is a look at the ring, Bartman will receive.
As for Bartman, he released his own statement.
“Although I do not consider myself worthy of such an honor, 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. 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.”
Bartman's full statement can be read at the WGN website.
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