Should Steve Bartman be banned from Wrigley Field for life?

[bluestateguy]

He's the fan who cost the Cubs a precious out in the bottom of the eighth inning last night, and arguable the game and a chance to be in the World Series.

[Don_G]

1. I Don't Think A Ban Is Necessary

The guy won't be able to go within a mile of Wrigley Field after this.

[Character Assassin]

2. That would mean he couldn't attend these massive Snooze-ins

commonly referred to as baseball games.

Doesn't sound like punishment to me.

[ronnykmarshall]

3. No!

But if I were him, I'd ware a wig and a dress if I did go to a game.

[MaineDem]

4. Absolutely not!

He did nothing wrong actually. Why should they ban him?

The Cubs would be better banning Gonzalez if blame is to be placed.

Edited cause I got the SS's name wrong. Duhhh

[TSIAS]

5. Definitely not

Alou went into his territory, not the other way around.

Gonzalez better hope Chicago wins tonight.

[LuminousX]

6. Running from a spanking

He needs to come forward, issue a sincere and contrite apology, and let this blow over. There were ten to twelve people reaching for that ball, he was the unlucky one to actually touch it.

That's life, that's baseball. It sucks; I had to turn off the game when the Mariners scored the 8 runs because I started to care if the Cubs won or not. That's one of the reasons why I hate sports. I hate losing and in sports, the teams you support will lose more often than win.

Bartman also needs to seize this moment because this is his 15 minutes of fame (infamy) and if (WHEN) the Cubs win tonight, he will be forgotten real quick.

[Don_G]

8. He Needs To Come Out Of Hiding First

Some of the fans are out for blood and he's easy to find. If I could discover the addresses of both he and his parents in a few minutes, I really think he needs to transfer out of town for a while.

[maveric]

7. All depends. If the Cubs win tonight, no. If they lose he'll ban himself.

For his own safety.
Actually he should'nt be banned. Its not his fault that Prior blew up and Gonzalez booted a routine double play ball that would have ended the inning.

[IndianaGreen]

9. C'mon, he is a Cubs fan anyway who made a fool out of himself

in front of a national audience. I am really starting to feel pity for him, consider what Bartman has paid: the loss of his privacy, the butt of jokes, and his immortalization into Baseball's Hall of Shame.

The Cubs lost the one game, and may well lose tonight, but Stevie lost his entire life.

[joeybee12]

10. It's ONLY a Game!

Glad people here have that right--seems like some Cubs fans don't.

Honestly..............

[Don_G]

11. And This Is Only A Bat

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

12. Nah, a year from now he will be on advertisements for

something or other, making a fortune off this silliness.

[stickdog]

15. As it should be.

The man is a piece of shit disgrace to Cub fans nationwide.

[VermontDem2004]

24. It's only a game

It's amazing you insult the guy you don't even know. I am disappointed in alot of DUers today, this is so freeper-like.

[Spirochete]

13. Hopefully...

The Cubs will win tonight, get the poor doofus off the hook, and by the time the World Series is over, nobody will even remember his name.

[stickdog]

14. If they string him up immediately, isn't this point moot? (NT)

[NightTrain]

16. Forgive my ignorance, but who the hell is Steve Bartman?

Sorry, but I don't follow baseball.

[Susang]

17. I think it's wrong to use his name

Most of the local news stations here in Chicago aren't using it out of respect for his family's safety. The police have had to guard his home because some idiot used his name on camera.

Knowing Wrigley Field, there was no way he could have seen Alou when he was reaching for the ball. The ball was in the stands and he was not the only person going for it. It's wrong to demonize him and say he's the reason that the Cubs lost. The Cubs self destructed all by themselves. They sure as hell don't need a fan to help them with that! ;-)

[stickdog]

18. With all due respect, you don't know shit about Wrigley Field, the Cubs

or the other 99% percent of their fans who would NOT get in Alou's way, including several just around the idiot.

[Susang]

19. Dude, who the hell are you anyway?

I live in Chicago, have been to Wrigley countless time and do, in fact, *know shit* about Wrigley Field. Perhaps you would like me to scan all the local paper's front page pictures that show at least four people reaching for the ball? Or how about the fact that all of the people around the poor guy said that they couldn't see Alou either, because if they had, they would have pushed the man out of the way? Or how about the fan's heartfelt apology that was read by his brother on tonight's Channel 4 newscast?



I submit that it's you who doesn't know shit about Wrigley.

[VermontDem2004]

25. That doesn't matter to him

He tips a foul ball and all of sudden he is a piece of shit and a disgrace to him.

[stickdog]

27. I've been a Cub fan for almost 40 years. I lived through 1969, 1984 and

1989.

Diehard Cub fans have traditionally been the best fans in the sport. This includes NOT getting in their own team's way, getting in the other team's way (when applicable), and throwing back opposing home runs (even in batting practice).

For a Cub fan to care more about catching a damn foul ball than the Cubs getting an out with the Cubs leading 3-0 and needing just 5 outs to get to the World Series ...

Words fail.

[VermontDem2004]

28. I don't care how loooooong you have been a Cubs fan

It is disgraceful of you to critize him for stupid shit and you don't even know him. How come this NLCS I haven't seen any Florida Home Run balls thrown back?

For a Cub fan to care more about catching a damn foul ball...

Perhaps you didn't read this.
"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," Bartman said in a statement.

"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."

Also should Gonzales be banned from Wrigley Field for not making the double play and dropping the ball?

[stickdog]

31. Players will make errors among hundreds of fielding chances.

Bartman had ONE CHANCE not to commit the WORST POSSIBLE SIN of a baseball fan and he failed.

Sorry if I don't have much sympathy, but that's the way it is.

It's like being in the emergency seat on an airplane, but not paying attention to the safety instructions. If you can't follow the rules of being a fan, don't sit in the fucking first row.

[VermontDem2004]

34. You would've made the same error

"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," Bartman said in a statement.

"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."

You would've done the same fucking thing. You happy he is getting death threats? You happy that FUCKING CUBS FANS DON'T KNOW WHO TO FUCKING BLAME. YOU HAPPY HE WAS PELTED BY DEBRIS BY OTHER CUBS FANS? Gonzales a PAID fucking professional gets a free ride but Nooooo a fucking Cubs fans get blamed for yes The Cubs meltdown. The Cubs players deserves to win but the fucking fans don't except Bartham(whatever his name is)

[stickdog]

37. No. I would have yanked that idiot out of the way.

I've done it before, and I'll do it again.

If you think getting in the way of your own player is acceptable, that tells me all I need to know about what sort of a baseball fan you are.

[VermontDem2004]

41. Idiot?

Do you know the guy? Did you attend the University of Notre Dame, many "idiots" DON'T get accepted.

I'll post it again

"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," Bartman said in a statement.

"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."

and again

"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," Bartman said in a statement.

"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."

and again

"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," Bartman said in a statement.

"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."

He probaly wants the Cubs to win just as bad as you do and to call him an idiot is so freeper-like. He coaches Youth-Baseball and he actually has a job, he may even be a democrat. I guess the fans who were hurling beers at him were not idiots, that is fucking disgraceful and you seriously need to be reminded it's only a FUCKING BASEBALL GAME if the Cubs win will you be spraying champagne in the locker room with Sammy? Do you gain anything if the Cubs win? No. I know you would've done the same thing and he said if he would've seen Alou approaching he would've got out of the way to give Alou a chance to make the catch. You are a horrible fan, it had to be said

[stickdog]

47. Why am I horrible? Because I'm angry at an idiot who did something

unconscionable?

Or because you don't understand how somebody can take a lifetime of rooting for a team so seriously?

Trust me when I tell you that I'm just blowing off steam. But don't tell me I'd have done the same thing when I've done the exact opposite thing over a dozen times.

[VermontDem2004]

51. Let me post it again

"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," Bartman said in a statement.

"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."

Read the bold or can you read? He would've MOVED out of the way if he say it. You are horrible because you call someone you don't even know an idiot over a stupid baseball game in which he did not lose. I am a Sun Devils fan and I am a diehard fan but I do know when the Sun Devils collapse, two weeks ago they were up 17-10 and collapsed and lost 38-17.

[stickdog]

54. We are talking about the Cubs' best chance to get into the Series in

over 50 years!

I don't get it. Arnie said he was really, really sorry for groping all those women. Am I horrible because I still think he's an idiot, too?

[VermontDem2004]

56. Steve Bartman didn't grope women

You are comparing apples to oranges. How exactly did he prevent the Cubs from winning that game. Ok they get 3 outs and are up 3-1, the Marlins could easily score 2 or more runs in the 8th and 9th inning. I think it is childish of you to call him names over a stupid baseball game in which he did NOT lose.

[Susang]

57. Cubs fans are optimistic and hopeful to the end

A true Cubs fan wouldn't even dare to think that they're not going to win tonight. :evilgrin:

[stickdog]

26. I've been to over 500 games in Wrigley.

You don't get in the way of your own player attempting to field a ball.

That is the WORST SIN in baseball fandom. BAR NONE.

[Susang]

33. You're still wrong

Even Alou said that he was wrong to be mad at the fan. So what's your problem? Do you know more about the rules of the game than he does? Oh right, I forgot; you've been to 500 games. How about putting the blame where it belongs? One out did not decide that game. But I guess it helps to have a scapegoat, huh?

BTW, how many night games have you been to at Wrigley? Things look entirely different since those lights went up.

[stickdog]

35. Yeah, Alou was very forgiving at the time, wasn't he?

You are talking to somebody who has twice reached out above the basket and deflected opposing home runs back onto the field, both which became doubles.

I agree that the lights suck and make everything harder. But the picture clearly shows everybody else in the front row getting out of Alou's way at the last minute. Meanwhile, headset boy managed to push Alou's glove, deflect the ball AND miss the catch.

[Susang]

40. Look at the picture I posted earlier

It shows at least four fans grabbing for the ball. I have seen the picture on every newspaper and television set all day, I can't get away from it. I am immersed in that picture here in Chicago. And every angle shows a group of people reaching for the ball and two people stood aside. All of the fans interviewed who were around the guy said that they couldn't see Alou and that the ball was definitely in the stands. The poor guy didn't do anything wrong and your hatred of him won't change that. The hatred surrounding this stupid incident has only caused death threats and physical violence directed at this man. It's a credit to Wrigley security that they were able to get this man out unharmed.

And no, Alou wasn't forgiving last night. But he was today, wasn't he? So have most of the true Cubs fans here in Chicago. Most of us feel sorry for him. If they lose tonight, he will be crushed for the rest of his life. Have some pity if not sympathy.

[VermontDem2004]

43. I agree

He must be blind if he can't see the other 4 fans around him reaching for the guy. I wonder when stickdog will write the "Baseball fan rules"?

[stickdog]

45. Why should I pity that idiot? I pity the 90-year-old Cub fans on their

deathbeds.

The other people going for the ball were not in the first row.

And Alou hasn't been a Cub fan for 40 years just to see some idiot get in the way.

[VermontDem2004]

48. Let me ask you again

Do the Cubs deserve any blame for the loss? Why is he an idiot? It is a stupid fucking baseball game you obviously take WAAAAAAAY too damn seriously.

[stickdog]

49. Yep. That's what makes it fun. (NT)

[Susang]

50. Two others were in the front row

I'm telling you Stickdog, I have been living and breathing that damn picture for almost 24 hours now. I have seen every possible incarnation and video of it and it's always the same. I even have a paper next to me with the damn picture staring up at me. It doesn't change, no matter how much you protest that no one else was reaching for it.

BTW, you're being far too pessimistic for a true Cubs fan you realize. They're hopeful and optimistic to the end. Particularly the 90 year old ones on their "deathbeds".

[stickdog]

58. It's reverse mojo. Optimism and forgiveness got through Leon Durham's

legs.

I've tried to be more like a Damn Yankee fan ever since. ;-)

[Susang]

59. Yankee fan?!?!?

Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! :o

[stickdog]

60. Just kidding.

Let's play two.

[Susang]

61. Whew!

I'm glad you were kidding. I didn't want to have to stab you in the heart with a wooden stake. Heh heh, get it? "Wood"en stake? Oh, I slay myself!

[mbartko]

20. Who thinks Cubs fans...

who blame and even threaten this poor bastard should be banned from watching sporting events until they reach the required level of emotional and mental maturity? I know, I know, this guy touching a ball that was out of play used his evil mind control to make the Cubs pitchers choke and start lobbing taters like it was Little League batting practice and he made Gonzalez blow a cake DP and then he made all the Cubs batters hit pop-ups for the rest of the game. Boo hoo. Jesus, people, get a fucking life!

And why does it matter that they haven't won in 95 years? Are you all, like, 125 years old and have always had some actual personal interest at stake in the team? Are you all centigenerian co-owners or something? What difference does it make if you won last year, 10 years ago, a million years ago?

If so many Chicago fans are going to scapegoat this guy, maybe it's not a curse; maybe it's just plain karma.

[Susang]

21. Right on!

And welcome to DU! :-)

[Seneca]

22. Welcome to DU!

Speaking as DU's very own Steve Bartman, I thank you for your reasoned insights! :-)

[Pithlet]

29. Yes

and LOL at this:

"And why does it matter that they haven't won in 95 years? Are you all, like, 125 years old and have always had some actual personal interest at stake in the team? Are you all centigenerian co-owners or something? What difference does it make if you won last year, 10 years ago, a million years ago?"

[stickdog]

30. Are you Steve Bartman?

1) Gonzales didn't have a double play. No way and no how.

2) That would have been the second out of the inning, so Gonzales probably would have been able to field the ball without the pressure of trying to make a double play out of a slowly hit high chopper that was never going to be a double play.

3) Let's see. My dad's dying wish was that one of his three sons would live to see the Cubs win the World Series. He never did. Now we are all in our 40s. Get it?

[VermontDem2004]

32. Yes he did

The guy would've got the out and second, the guy at second would've thrown the ball to first 2 outs, inning over.

3) So that is a good reason to hate someone you don't even know?

[stickdog]

42. Look at the replay. There's no way that chopper was getting turned for 2.

Who said anything about hate?

I'm legitimately angry at that idiot.

If I ran into him right now, I'd let him have it at 110 decibels. And I'd tell him that he's damn lucky that I let him off so easy.

[VermontDem2004]

44. What would you say to Gonzales?

I seen the replay over a 100 times, it was a double play ball. You have no right to be angry at him, he didn't hurt anybody, he didn't steal anything, your wife didn't cheat on him(if you have one), he did nothing to make you legitimately angry at him. You fucking make me sick for calling someone you don't even fucking know an idiot. Do the Cubs bear any responsibility in your mind? How about blowing a huge lead in Game 1, how about loosing game 5? The Cubs lost because of them, not the fan and it is stupid to blame him for it.

[stickdog]

52. Do you think the word "idiot" is some sort of death curse or something?

Because it's the mildest word that comes to my mind at the moment to describe that idiot.

[VermontDem2004]

55. Why is he an idiot?

"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," Bartman said in a statement.

"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."

It sounds like an honest mistake. Calling people names is freeper-like, I never thought of DUers calling people names but I guesss we are no different then freepers, just how we vote is different.

[stickdog]

62. I'm a blue collar, Slats Grobnick Democrat.

And I reserve my right to call an idiot an idiot.

[VermontDem2004]

23. HELL NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will lose all respect for the Cubs and I would place another curse on them.

[RetroLounge]

36. From the Tribune today.

Give the kid a break, already. I was pissed last night, but really, come on. Here's what he said:

"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.

"To Moises Alou, the Chicago Cubs organization, Ron Santo, Ernie Banks and Cub fans everywhere, I am so truly sorry from the bottom of this Cub fan's broken heart. 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."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-031015curious-story,1,5156794.story?coll=chi-homepage-fea

[corarose]

38. That Ball is worth major bucks now

If the cubs win tonight everything will be alright for Steve Bartman.

[Terwilliger]

39. oh fer criminy's sake!

:nuke:

[nini]

46. The Cub's organization has said to let it go..

why cant' these other fans.

They know they blew it themselves after that play. It wasnt' this guys' fault - and the players know it.

[MrBenchley]

53. Anybody hear the Faux nutcases sobbing and moaning

hypocritically about how he got singled out by the "media"?

[Walt Starr]

63. No way!

He's one of the biggest Cubs fans out there!

Give the guy a break. Had you been in his position, you'd have done the same thing.

[soothsayer]

64. It wasn't fan interference, and the cubbies had plenty of chances to

turn the game around.

Sorry they got spooked by it. Ball players are so superstitious I guess.

STill rooting for them like crazy right now, and the poor things have no fans to blame, just stupid kerry wood (great home run, lousy pitching, imho). Should have pulled him after the homer, when he was wiping his brow every pitch, evidently exhausted.

[Ohio Dem]

65. Should they ban the shortstop, too?

It's more his fault than Bartman's.

What about the whole team, who look like they might lose tonight?