In the wake of the team's first World Series championship since 1908, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts is planning to reach out to their most infamous fan.
Ricketts told Bob Nightengale of USA Today he plans to reach out to Steve Bartman at some point, in hopes of providing closure. Here's what Ricketts told Nightengale:
Bartman had to be led away from Wrigley Field by security, and police were temporarily stationed outside his home for protection. Although he still lives in Chicago, Bartman has never returned to the ballpark, and he's reportedly turned down thousands of dollars in endorsement deals.
This is a really sensitive subject because a silly sports play had some extreme real-life consequences for Bartman, and he may not want to be associated with the team in any way. Reaching out to him is a nice gesture by Ricketts, but if the guy doesn't want to get involved, he doesn't have to.
The Red Sox had Bill Buckner throw out a ceremonial first pitch in 2005, after the team won their first World Series in 86 years the year before. Buckner made a crucial error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series against the Mets.
Buckner and the Red Sox were able to achieve some closure, though Buckner was a player. Bartman is a private citizen.
Ricketts told Bob Nightengale of USA Today he plans to reach out to Steve Bartman at some point, in hopes of providing closure. Here's what Ricketts told Nightengale:
"I'm sure we'll reach out to him at the right time,'' Ricketts revealed, "and I'm sure we'll figure something out that provides closure for everybody. Hopefully, we can make it work."
Bartman, as you know, interfered with a foul ball as part of the club's eighth inning meltdown against the Marlins in Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS. He reached for a foul ball any one of us would have reached for. Moises Alou's reaction didn't help either.Bartman had to be led away from Wrigley Field by security, and police were temporarily stationed outside his home for protection. Although he still lives in Chicago, Bartman has never returned to the ballpark, and he's reportedly turned down thousands of dollars in endorsement deals.
This is a really sensitive subject because a silly sports play had some extreme real-life consequences for Bartman, and he may not want to be associated with the team in any way. Reaching out to him is a nice gesture by Ricketts, but if the guy doesn't want to get involved, he doesn't have to.
The Red Sox had Bill Buckner throw out a ceremonial first pitch in 2005, after the team won their first World Series in 86 years the year before. Buckner made a crucial error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series against the Mets.
Buckner and the Red Sox were able to achieve some closure, though Buckner was a player. Bartman is a private citizen.
