It's a calm night in the state of Illinois, most of the residents are gathered around their television. Anxiously awaiting. Just calmly gazing. Wanting the taste of a World Series appearance. They have been missing it, it's been several years. Several Years, indeed. The loveable losers, that's right, The Chicago Cubs, were just 5 outs away from facing the future winner of the American League Championship Series, the New York Yankees, and were beggining to feel a win. An electric static was pulsing through the field, as Mark Prior was pitching a wonderful game. He had only allowed three hits through eight innings, and was looking very good. The only problem was, he was quickly getting tired. Dusty Baker seemingly overlooked this critical point, which would be a leading factor after the events which were about to occur. Luis Castillo was digging in to the batter's box with one out and had Juan Pierre in scoring position at second base. That's when all the madness began to unravel. Luis Castillo hit a pop foul that drifted into the box seats.

But not just ANY box seats. Long time Cubs fan Steve Bartman was in attendance, hoping to see his Baby Bears advance to the World Series. He sat in Aisle 4, Row 8 and Seat 113. (The seat is now tagged with a Chicago Cubs logo sticker) As the pop foul began to drift towards Bartman, he realized he had a golden oppurtunity. I mean, this WAS a great oppurtunity to take home memorabilia. I don't care who you are, if you were put into this situation, you can't possibly tell me that you wouldn't attempt to interfere and catch it. No matter how honest of a fan you are, you couldn't persuade me that you wouldn't be "caught up in the moment"

And that's the truth. If a pop foul is coming in your direction, your obviously going to go after it. Your going to lose all contact with reality for that moment. You don't play baseball, you aren't able to tell if that pop-up is catchable or not- because you AREN'T ON THE FIELD. You can't blame Steve Bartman for that, because any fan could've done it.

And I'll admit, I got angry at first. No- not angry, furious. I was in the process of throwing things at the television screen. Of course, I didn't really take time to put these things into perspective: 'What if Alou missed the catch?', and even 'What if Bartman caught it?'. It definately would've been fan interference if he WOULD HAVE caught it, right? That question honestly can't be answered. In a game versus the San Diego Padres this year, a Cubs reached out into the field of play and deflected a ball right fielder Cliff Floyd could of had a chance at catching. But it was deflected and went off the ivy. Adrian Gonzales stood at third with a triple. Just innings before that a Cubs fan may have messed up a Derrek Lee homerun oppurtunity.

So IT happens. It's in baseball in general. Major League fans can name one fan who had similar fate as Bartman, and that would be Jeffrey Maier. Jeffrey attended a Yankees-Orioles game on October 9th, 1996, where Baltimore found themselves ahead 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth. That's when Yankee Shortstop Derek Jeter crushed a pitch to right field, STILL in the line of play for Orioles right fielder Tony Tarasco. However, twelve year old Jeffery Maier got caught up in the moment. He wanted a souvenir. So he reached over and snagged the Jeter hit. According to Baseball Rules, fans are permitted to keep balls that are hit INTO the stands, but however if they reach out of the stands or onto the playing field to touch a ball in-play spectator interference is to be called. However, umpires had second thoughts. They ruled it a home run. The Yankees won in extra innings.

Just like that, the Orioles and Cubs are on similar pages. Fan interference could have been called in both situations. If this would have happened, maybe both events could have been prevented. I do agree, however, that Bartman and fans who do this should be ejected. If you break a rule, you should be tossed from the action. But, Cubs fans, give the guy a break. He can't play FOR the team! Put him out of his misery.

OR-- at least point the finger at somebody else. That person goes by the name of Alex Gonzales. He was a former second baseman for Chicago, and he made an error on an easy groundout that could've been turned into a double play to end the inning. If that doesn't convince you, blame the Cubs staff. They should have took Mark Prior out. He has gone through injuries his entire career, he can't have that great of an overall stamina. They took Prior out after he sacrificed the tying run, but replacement Kyle Farnsworth gave up several more runs. The Marlins won 8-3. Florida then CAME BACK yet again a day later, down 5-3, to win 9-6. Was Bartman in attendance the 7th game? I think not.

He was at home. Probably in severe misery and emotional pain. Sure, you had to be pissed at him for that moment, but GET OVER IT. He's a fan, not a player on the team. Blame Gonzales, he booted the DP Ball. Blame Baker, he left Prior in. Blame the people sitting around Bartman for not telling him that Alou was in pursuit. Just blame someone besides Bartman. He needs to be put out of his misery. I mean this guy had to completely change his appearance, change his phone number, move homes, probably move his family and friends, just because of a game. This is entirely ridiculous. Get over it. I, as a Cub fan, am. Grow up along with me.

-SorianoFan12 Articles

I would give Bartman a hug if I met him.

He doesn't like homosexuals. ;)

So why doesn't he kill himself?

I think the dislike against Bartman is retarded in the first place. There were 5 people on both sides of him reaching for that ball

And as soon as they realized what had happened, they took part in the yelling at him, that was retarded in the sence they almost caused the same thing.

On top of it, its part of the game, fan interferance, if a missed foulball popout causes you a loss, then maybe it wasnt meant to be, i dont know.
I can remember one time I was mad at a Yankee fan, and that was last season when Mo gave up a deep hit in the 9th inning, and a fan reached over and pulled it in for a HomeRun...and the Yankees lost. Now that went one way or the other...HomeRun...or Out. Bartmans was Out..or next pitch.
But its all back to the people around him for me, 95% of people would have went for that ball, and as long as they were aged 16-68...theyd get their shit ripped..Its sad for him.


But on a Side note, the Prank Call to ESPN made my year

Then why is he a Cubs fan? :unsure:

lmao

:lol: :lol: :lol: That made me laugh.