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.
