Everyone remembers Steve Bartman, the infamous Chicago Cubs fan who is remembered for touching a foul ball that was arguably still in play while Moises Alou tried to reach into the stands for it during Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS.
You know what happened after that:
Bartman was public enemy No. 1 for years by Cubs fans. Now 14 long seasons later, owner Tom Ricketts thought it was time to put the past behind them.
WGN EXCLUSIVE: Steve Bartman to receive 2016 Chicago @Cubs World Series Championship ring https://t.co/14zQ8W0hMb
— WGN TV News (@WGNNews) July 31, 2017
“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.”
Classy move by the Chicago Cubs, who felt it was necessary that the burden needed to be lifted off Bartman’s shoulders he be embraced by the organization.
Bartman, then released this long heartfelt 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.
I humbly receive the ring not only as a symbol of one of the most historic achievements in sports, but as an important reminder for how we should treat each other in today’s society. My hope is that we all can learn from my experience to view sports as entertainment and prevent harsh scapegoating, and to challenge the media and opportunistic profiteers to conduct business ethically by respecting personal privacy rights and not exploit any individual to advance their own self-interest or economic gain.
Moreover, I am hopeful this ring gesture will be the start of an important healing and reconciliation process for all involved. To that end, I request the media please respect my privacy, and the privacy of my family. I will not participate in interviews or further public statements at this time.
Words alone cannot express my heartfelt thanks to the Ricketts family, Crane Kenney, Theo Epstein, and the entire Cubs organization for this extraordinary gift, and for providing the City of Chicago and Cubs fans everywhere an unforgettable World Championship in 2016. I am happy to be reunited with the Cubs family and positively moving forward with my life.”
This was an awesome gesture by the Chicago Cubs!
