Chicago Cubs: Fans take first step to forgiving Steve Bartman with GoFundMe

With the Chicago Cubs preparing themselves for their first postseason run since 2008, highlights of that dreaded 2003 National League Championship Series with the then-Florida Marlins and Steve Bartman are surfacing yet again.

Sure, it’s a day that will never ever be forgotten, but I think it’s about time that we all move on from that moment and focus on how great this team is going to be in the future.

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I’m aware that some have already done so, but this is for those who are still holding a grudge til this day. It’s been nearly 12 years since an innocent fan reached out for what he thought was a souvenir.

I’ll be one of the few to admit that it was a terrible way to go about how the situation was handled as Bartman was pretty much bullied into hiding within his own city as if he was a wanted fugitive.

Since the incident, a few documentaries have been made about the Bartman play and even outfielder Moises Alou – who was a key player that night – came out and told reporters that he felt bad for him according to CSN Chicago’s own Patrick Mooney.

Alou, when discussing Bartman:

"“I do feel bad for him and I said it that day: It wasn’t his fault. Even thought somebody came up with some bullcrap that they made up in an elevator that I wasn’t going to catch that ball. That’s not true. I had that ball. But I don’t think that’s the reason we lost. I mean, it had a lot to do with it. But we had a chance to turn a doubleplay the next play and we didn’t. We just couldn’t stop them.”"

With that being said, a specific group of die-hard Cubs fans came together in order to take the first step to forgiving Bartman by setting up a GoFundMe page. 

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GoFundMe is a way for people to look for donations of all kinds. Anything from hospital/medical needs, unknown charities looking to help make a difference in the world or something great such as this.

As of right now, the goal is to first make contact with Bartman to let him know about the offer on the table. This page was started up by Keque Escobedo on Sept. 28th with the goal of $5,000 ($2,965) to be met.

Over 255 people have stepped forward to help accomplish this little goal that will not only cover Steve’s ticket to the game, but his travel, hotel room, and a little spending money as well.

There’s even a note that if they are unable to make contact with Bartman before the game, that all the proceeds that have been raised will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. So either way, it’s a win-win situation when you look at it.

UPDATE:

According to ESPN Chicago’s Jesse Rogers, a spokesman for Bartman has reached out and respectfully declined the invitation on his behalf.

"“It’s nice of these people to think of Steve, but he won’t be taking advantage of the offer. He’s perfectly capable of attending the game on his own, though he has no intention of being at the wild-card game. Steve is glad the money will go to a good cause and will be cheering on the Cubs as always.” – Frank Murtha via Jesse Rogers"

We’ll be cheering along with you, Mr. Bartman.

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