Fan sorry "from bottom of broken heart"
Cubs fan getting support -- from Floridians
I had my eyes glued on the approaching ball the entire time and was so caught up in the moment that I did not even see Moises Alou, much less that he may have had a play. Had I thought for one second that the ball was playable or had I seen Alou approaching, I would have done whatever I could to get out of the way and give Alou a chance to make the catch. I ask that Cub fans everywhere redirect the negative energy that has been vented towards my family, my friends, and myself into the usual positive support for our beloved team on their way to being National League champs.
- Steve Bartman
Steve Bartman is NOT the reason the Chicago Cubs are not going to the World Series. In spite of what the trolls in the Chicago media would have you think, Bartman is not singlehandedly responsible for extending the Curse of the Billy Goat for another year. All Bartman was doing was what most ANY fan would do if a baseball was heading their way- try to catch it.
Hours after the Marlins forced the decisive seventh game, Bartman was the talk of the town.
Angry broadcasters castigated him. A local newspaper found in a Web poll that thousands of people blamed him for playing a role in the Cubs' loss.
It's interesting that no one seems to be castigating Alex Gonzalez for booting what should have been an easy double-play ball a few moments later. Gonzalez could reasonably be held far more responsible for the Cubs' demise than Bartman.
It's a damning commentary on the state of our society when Steve Bartman is forced to disconnect his phone, stay home from work, and deal with a horde of media jackals camped out at his home. The truly sad thing about this sorry episode is that a lifelong Cubs fan will have to live with the unintended results of his actions for the rest of his life. I imagine that NO ONE wanted the Cubs to win last night more than Bartman.
The 26-year-old Bartman, a youth baseball coach, was escorted by security guards from Wrigley Field after he was threatened by angry fans and pelted with debris.
A police guard was posted outside the suburban Northbrook home where he lives with his parents. His brother-in-law -- who read the statement to the media -- said Bartman was "hiding somewhere. He just wants to move on and he wants the Cubs to win."
Bartman apologized to Cubs fans and ex-players, including Ron Santo and Ernie Banks.
Lighten up, Chicago; Steve Bartman is not responsible for the demise of the Cubs. The 25 players on the Cubs roster are the ones you should be looking at. Leave Mr. Bartman alone; he did nothing that you or I wouldn't have done in the same situation.
Of course, if y'all can't stop the persecution, there are some folks in Florida who would be more than happy to take Mr. Bartman in.
MIAMI (AP) -- If he's interested, the 26-year-old Chicago fan who deflected a critical foul ball away from a Cubs outfielder in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series can find solace in Florida.
Gov. Jeb Bush said an offer of asylum might be a good idea, and an oceanfront retreat in Pompano Beach is offering the man a free three-month stay, should he deem it necessary to get out of Chicago until the hubbub over the popup cools down.
No, Steve Bartman is not the reason the Cubs spit the bit, nor is the silly Curse of the Billy Goat. What is responsible for the Cub dropping three games in a row (including the last two at Wrigley Field) is a lack of timely pitching, hitting, and defense by the Cubs. History, however sad and compelling, had nothing to do with this debacle.
If I were Bartman, I'd be seriously thinking about the offer of asylum. Fair or not, he is not likely to be forgiven by Cubs fans any time soon. I wonder if Major League Baseball has a witness protection program??
