Month: July 2008 (Page 11 of 39)

– Ryan Braun finished 4 for 4 with a home run, two RBI and a run scored in the Brewers’4-3 win over the Cardinals. Braun’s only home run of the game was a two-run shot in the ninth that helped Milwaukee claim eighth straight victory. What’s been amazing about the Brewers’ streak is that they’re winning close games late. They’ve had to fight for every win against division rival St. Louis, which will only feed their confidence as they roll through the second half.

– The Cubs kept the Brewers one game back in the division by topping the Marlins 6-3 at Wrigley. Carlos Zambrano helped Chicago snap its 10-game losing streak against Florida by giving up just two runs on six hits over seven innings. Hanley Ramirez hit his 24th dinger of the year in a losing effort.

– The Mets have now taken a one game lead in the NL East after beating the Phillies 3-1 at Shea. Even though he didn’t get the win, Oliver Perez was outstanding, giving up one earned run on six hits and striking out 12. Carlos Delgado was the hero with the bat, doubling to deep left and scoring two runs in the bottom of the eighth.

– Matt Cain threw a four-hit, complete game shutout in the Giants’ 1-0 win over the Nationals. San Fran swept the season series with Washington and finally recorded their first home sweep of the season. Cain lowered his ERA below 4.00 for the first time since the start of the year.

– The Royals helped the Red Sox by beating the Rays 4-2. Boston and Tampa are now tied in the tight AL East and the Yankees sit just three games back.

Steve Bartman understandably wants nothing to do with what happened the night of October 14, 2003. That was the night he reached over one of the walls at Wrigley Field and interfered with Moises Alou as the Chicago Cubs’ outfielder attempted to catch a foul ball.

But if you were Bartman, would you relive the moment for $25,000?

Steve Bartman has refused yet another offer to cash in on the moment he became the most famous — or infamous — Chicago Cubs fan in history.

Bartman friend Frank Murtha says that Bartman won’t accept an offer of $25,000. For the money, all Bartman would have to do is attend the National Sports Collectors Convention in Rosemont and autograph a photograph taken of when he tipped a foul ball that seemed destined for Cubs’ outfielder Moises Alou’s glove during a 2003 playoff game with the Florida Marlins.

Bartman was vilified by Cubs fans, who thought that he helped prevent the team from reaching the World Series. Alou has made conflicting statement on whether he would have caught the ball.
Bartman has declined all offers to appear or make money off his brush with fame.

According to Cubs fans, Bartman ruined their year for a World Series title. Talk to any Cubs fan and they’ll also tell you Bartman is the reason for high gas prices, global warming and is likely the gatekeeper to hell.

If I were Bartman, I’d cash in. I’d cash in on that moment until I became one of the richest mother f’ers in the world. Then I’d give the one-fingered salute to all Cubs fans and sit in my fat palace at 100 Millionaire Road, located about six states away from Wrigley Field. And I’d have a huge smile on my face, too.