But despite the implications of a Yankees-Red Sox postseason game, and everything that happened in Game 3 of that series, today's action at Fenway Park pales in comparison to what happens at Major League Baseball's other surviving pre-World War I ballpark, Wrigley Field in Chicago.
By advancing to the National League Championship Series, the Chicago Cubs had already won a postseason series for the 1st time in 95 years. Now, leading the Florida Marlins 3-0 with 1 out in the 8th inning, and with ace Mark Prior on the mound, the Cubs are just 5 outs away from their 1st Pennant in 58 years. Wrigley and the surrounding streets are jammed with people anticipating the Cubs' 1st trip to the World Series since 1945, shortly after World War II ended.
But Marlins' 2nd baseman Luis Castillo – Met fans will recognize that name from his 2009 miscue against the Yankees – hits a fly ball down the left-field line. Cub left fielder Moisés Alou – another name Met fans will go on to remember with regret – reaches for the ball at the fence, but he can’t get it. A Cub fan named Steve Bartman reaches for it, and knocks it away.
Despite appeals from the Cubs, umpire Mike Everitt correctly rules there was no interference, that Bartman had not reached out into the field of play, and thus was entitled to try to catch the ball every bit as much as Alou was.
Castillo, with his at-bat extended, draws a walk. Iván Rodríguez singles, to make it 3-1 Cubs. Miguel Cabrera hits a ground ball to to Cub shortstop Alex Gonzalez – the Marlins had a shortstop of the same name – and he bobbles the ball. He could have turned a double play to end the inning and preserve the Cubs' lead. Instead, all runners are safe, and the bases are loaded. Derrek Lee doubles, tying the score and chasing Prior from the game.
Cub manager Dusty Baker brings in a new pitcher, Kyle Farnsworth. Foreshadowing his later Yankee screwups, he delivers an intentional walk to load the bases and set up a force play. But he gives up a sacrifice fly that scores Cabrera with the go-ahead run. He repeats the set-up-the-DP intentional walk, and then gives up a double to Mike Mordecai that clears the bases and makes it 7-3. The Marlins score another run for the final score of 8-3, and tie up the series.
In 2010, the MLB Network listed this game at 7th on their list of MLB's 20 Greatest Games -- limited in scope, due to the availability of surviving videotape, to 1975 onward.
Before the game ended, Bartman had to be led away from the park under security escort for his own safety, as Cubs fans shouted profanities towards him, and others threw debris onto the field and towards the exit tunnel from the field. News footage of the game showed him surrounded by security as passersby pelted him with drinks and other debris.
Before the game ended, Bartman had to be led away from the park under security escort for his own safety, as Cubs fans shouted profanities towards him, and others threw debris onto the field and towards the exit tunnel from the field. News footage of the game showed him surrounded by security as passersby pelted him with drinks and other debris.
Bartman's name, as well as personal information about him, appeared on Major League Baseball’s online message boards minutes after the game ended. As many as 6 police cars gathered outside of his home to protect Bartman and his family following the incident.
Afterwards, Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois suggested that Bartman join a witness protection program. Governor Jeb Bush of Florida offered Bartman asylum. For once, Jeb Bush was a better man than a Democrat -- "Blago" was eventually impeached and removed by the State legislature, and went to prison for public corruption -- but, of course, living on Fisher Island, 15 miles from Joe Robbie Stadium, Jeb's gesture could be seen as a rather snarky one.
Afterwards, Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois suggested that Bartman join a witness protection program. Governor Jeb Bush of Florida offered Bartman asylum. For once, Jeb Bush was a better man than a Democrat -- "Blago" was eventually impeached and removed by the State legislature, and went to prison for public corruption -- but, of course, living on Fisher Island, 15 miles from Joe Robbie Stadium, Jeb's gesture could be seen as a rather snarky one.
Shortly after the incident, Bartman released a statement, saying he was "truly sorry." He added, "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 Moisés Alou much less that he may have had a play."
His family changed their phone number to avoid harassing phone calls. He requested that any gifts sent to him by Marlins fans be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a Cub cause celebre due to its association with former star-turned-broadcaster Ron Santo.
Prior and former Cubs pitcher-turned-broadcaster Rick Sutcliffe spoke out in defense of Bartman. Even Jay Mariotti, then a Chicago Sun-Times columnist and a panelist on ESPN's Around the Horn, who seems to revel in the miseries of his favorite team, defended Bartman. But Michael Wilbon, columnist for the Washington Post and co-host of ESPN's Pardon the Interruption, a Chicago native and a huge Cub fan, has repeatedly said that he refuses to forgive Bartman.
Prior and former Cubs pitcher-turned-broadcaster Rick Sutcliffe spoke out in defense of Bartman. Even Jay Mariotti, then a Chicago Sun-Times columnist and a panelist on ESPN's Around the Horn, who seems to revel in the miseries of his favorite team, defended Bartman. But Michael Wilbon, columnist for the Washington Post and co-host of ESPN's Pardon the Interruption, a Chicago native and a huge Cub fan, has repeatedly said that he refuses to forgive Bartman.
The Cubs have finally won a Pennant and a World Series. The team even sent Bartman a World Series ring. But, to this day, Bartman refuses to make public appearances to talk about it, despite huge offers. I'm waiting for someone to do a Chris Crocker-style video and say, "Leave Bartman alone!"