Chicago Cubs give disgraced fan Steve Bartman a 2016 Championship ring (1 Viewer)

[superchuck500]

What do you think?

I like the move. The whole episode was very unfortunate - it brought out the worst in people. With this move, I think it closes the book on the whole thing. If the team is officially on board with Bartman the Cubs fan and not some infamous character in a nightmare, then everyone should similarly accept him and move on.

I'm sure there are those who would say that's all fine and good, but he didn't do anything to actually deserve it. That might be true, but I think there are more reasons to give a ring than based on what the individual did to deserve it. This serves a community purpose.

CHICAGO -- A WGN News exclusive -- Steve Bartman has received an official Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Championship ring as a special gift from the Ricketts family and the Cubs organization.

Arguably the team's most infamous fan, Bartman is remembered for tipping a foul ball that left fielder Moises Alou unsuccessfully tried to catch in Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series.

Now, 14 years later, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts thought it was high time to extend an olive branch.

Bartman received the ring before noon Monday in Ricketts' office. Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein and President of Operations Crane Kenney were also present. Ricketts then showed Bartman around Wrigley a bit, so he could see what was new since he'd last been to the park. The Cubs released a single photo of Bartman's ring:

Steve Bartman's 2016 Cubs World Series Championship Ring. Photo provided by Chicago Cubs.
"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. 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."

Steve Bartman receives 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series Championship ring | WGN-TV

 

[Saint_Ward]

He could have had two......

I'm ok with the move. I think it's time to bury that hatchet.

 

[GrandAdmiral]

I voted tacoes...

Seriously, I would have volunteered to beat Bartman senseless when he interfered on that play. But there are some fools in Chicago and elsewhere who still hold ill will towards this man til this day. Let it go people.

 

[faceman]

I voted classy move. It's not Bartman's fault the Cubs pitching and fielding vanished after that play. It's far past time to let it go.
If you let this play determine a championship series, you are not mentally tough enough to deserve it.

Before I became married I had a roommate who was the worlds biggest Cardinals fan. The call by Don Denkinger in the 85 WS is arguably
the worst in pro sports history. The Cards imploded after that call and lost games 6 and 7. I asked him a few years later if he was still bitter.
He said no. it's part of the game. Umpires are human and make mistakes. Juaqin Anduar should have gathered his thoughts and got the next
two batters out to wrap up the WS.

 

[guidomerkinsrules]

that's cool
New England should do the same for Kyle Shanahan and Devonta Freeman

 

[sammymvpknight]

What Cubs fans have done toward Bartman is despicable. But I don't think that it's the Cubs responsibility to try to make amends to what has to be one of the dumbest fan moves of all time. Bartman didn't earn anything.

This just feels like the fat ugly girl who everyone feels sorry for being made homecoming queen. It perpetuates just how embarrassingly sad the person is.

 

[PHdeacon]

I voted tacoes...

Seriously, I would have volunteered to beat Bartman senseless when he interfered on that play. But there are some fools in Chicago and elsewhere who still hold ill will towards this man til this day. Let it go people.

He did not do anything any one of us would not have done on that play. It was not interference. The ball was clearly in foul territory. I felt sorry for the man. Yes,I agree,let it go.

 

[efil4stnias]

What Cubs fans have done toward Bartman is despicable. But I don't think that it's the Cubs responsibility to try to make amends to what has to be one of the dumbest fan moves of all time. Bartman didn't earn anything.

This just feels like the fat ugly girl who everyone feels sorry for being made homecoming queen. It perpetuates just how embarrassingly sad the person is.

Cubs organization took responsibility for their fans actions.

unfortunately, "taking responsibility" seems to be becoming less and less a thing these days.

Stand up move by the Cubs.

 

[Sandman]

Good for the Cubs. He was a life-long fan that made a mistake that anyone in that situation may have made. He received death threats, and it turned something fun (sports) into something terrible for him. Maybe he didn't earn the ring, but he didn't deserve the treatment he received, either. In a whole karma/balancing out of things, I am good with this.

 

[GeauxWhoDats]

Did they give a ring to the goat too?