Steve Bartman is getting a World Series ring.
On Monday, the Cubs announced they would give the infamous fan a 2016 championship ring as a special gift from the Ricketts family and organization:
Bartman morphed from a regular, everyday Cubs fan to the enemy of a worldwide brand when he reached for a foul ball and partly disrupted Cubs outfielder Moises Alou from catching the ball as part of the Cubs' collapse in the 2003 National League Championship Series.
Since that fateful split-second decision, Bartman has been the black sheep of the Cubs fanbase, an enemy of the state.
This ring won't erase the last 14 years, but it's certainly a good step in the right direction.
Here's the Cubs statement:
MLB
“On behalf of the entire Chicago Cubs organization, we are honored to present a 2016 World Series Championship Ring to Mr. Steve Bartman. 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.”
Bartman also released a statement in response:
“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.”
Two weeks after the World Series, Tom Ricketts said he believes the Cubs will reach out to Bartman at the right time.
Apparently that time has come now, the day the Cubs made another move that increases their chances of repeating in 2017.