Steve Bartman, the Chicago Cubs infamous fan who was blamed by some for the team not reaching the World Series in 2003, is likely quietly watching the World Series and cheering for his favorite team, his spokesman told several news outlets.
The Cubs lost the first game of the World Series to the Cleveland Indians 6-0 on Tuesday at Progressive Field, as they try to win their first World Series in more than 100 years. Bartman is best known for reaching up for a foul ball in the eighth inning in the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field against the Florida Marlins in 2003.
The team was five out away from going to the World Series since 1945, when Bartman bobbled the ball away from Cubs outfielder Moises Alou, who cried for a fan interference call. Alou didn't get the call, the Cubs blew a three-run lead and the Marlins went to the World Series, beating the New York Yankees 4-2.
Bartman was showered with abuse and needed to leave the game under police escort, where he then received repeated death threats, according to CNN. Now 39 and working at a Chicago-area financial firm, Bartman's spokesman Frank Murtha said his client just wants peace.
"Steve just wishes the Cubs well and has no interest in being any distraction from whatever happens to them," Murtha told CNN Sunday. "He is such a grounded, well-centered person that he doesn't need the affirmation. He doesn't seek forgiveness. None is probably needed."
Still, there are people who want to make amends, even Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis. Kipnis, a suburban Chicago high school student in 2003 and a huge Cubs fan, told the Los Angeles Times it would be just if Bartman threw out the first pitch at the World Series.
"He didn't deserve that," Kipnis said to the Los Angeles Times. "He never asked for all the stuff that probably happened to him afterward. I don't think he deserved any of that. He was probably actually a pretty loyal fan and he wanted a ball, and it's just the way events turns that turned him into this scapegoat."
According to Murtha, a World Series appearance – or much of anything else public – will not happen, USA Today wrote. Bartman has turned down all interviews, appearances, tickets, trips, and money for just one thing – to be left alone.
"He is a very, very positive person and yes, he's happy," Murtha said to USA Today. "A less solidly footed individual could have had serious problems with this. … He's wanted to and has been successful in getting on with his life."