Tuesday 1 August 2017 10:49, UK
Infamous Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman is to be presented with an official 2016 World Series ring as a gift from the team and the owners, the Ricketts family
Bartman became famous during game six of the 2003 National League Championship series when he tried to catch a foul ball from his seat in the stands, his actions prevented Cubs outfielder Moises Alou making a vital catch.
The Cubs went on to concede a five-run lead and lose the game to the Florida Marlins and the subsequent game seven decider.
The Marlins went on to beat the New York Yankees in the World Series and add another unwanted chapter to the Cubs long winless streak. Bartman was the subject of sustained abuse, he had to have a security escort from the stadium that night and a police car parked outside his home for several weeks afterwards when his address was posted online. He has even been the subject of an ESPN documentary tellingly titled "Catching Hell"
The Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians last year to finally win the World Series for the first time in 108 years.
"On behalf of the entire Chicago Cubs organisation, we are honoured to present a 2016 World Series Championship Ring to Mr. Steve Bartman," said 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. 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 organisation. After all, he has sacrificed, we are proud to recognise Steve Bartman with this gift today."
Bartman has said he will not appear in public or participate in any interviews, but he did release the following 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. Most meaningful is the genuine outreach from the Ricketts family, on behalf of the Cubs organisation 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 organisation 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."
