Who is bartman

Perhaps that's why the Chicago Cubs decided to give Bartman a World Series ring to celebrate their triumph last fall. Here's more information, courtesy of WGN:. 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. Bartman has understandably avoided attention since that night. He did issue a statement through WGN, though -- his one and only at this time, per him -- in which he said, "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.

Here is Bartman's full statement, released by the Cubs, breaking a long silence on occasion of this gesture:. Although I do not consider myself worthy of such an honor, I am deeply moved and sincerely grateful to receive an official Chicago Cubs 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. The Cubs would have been four outs from the World Series had Alou made the play; instead they gave up eight more runs in the game and nine more in the Game 7 loss.

Cubs outfielder Moises Alou slammed his glove down and shouted at fans in the stands. Fans screamed obscenities at him, and one walked right up to him and poured a beer on his head. The television cameras continually panned to Bartman as the Cubs gave up an amazing eight runs following the incident. And as he left the stadium, with a police escort, fans pelted him with food, beer and other debris. What happened next changed the course of history for the Cubs as they leaked eight runs in that inning, eventually losing the game The television cameras constantly panned on Bartman during the Marlins' incredible comeback.

Upon conclusion of the game, fans pelted debris and other items towards Bartman, who needed a police officer to escort him out of the stadium.

The next day, the Cubs lost again, suffering a defeat in the series and the Steve Bartman incident was described as the 'first domino' to fall in deciding the outcome of the series. Bartman faced further harassment and criticism from fans online despite apologising for his actions as he explained that he wanted to return to his peaceful life. At the time, the Cubs organisation issued a statement claiming that Steve Bartman now would receive a World Series ring.

The Steve Bartman ring would be handed out in order to bring closure to the unfortunate chapter in , the statement read.