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Chicago celebrates ten years of watching Steve Bartman catch that foul ball

    by Justin Klugh
    Published 

In Philadelphia, we have been celebrating anniversaries all October long. Five years now separate us from our last sports championship, giving us an excuse to dig up old footage and game recaps from the divisional and league championship series that led to the Phillies '08 World Series win.

Today, we celebrate the five-year anniversary of Shane Victorino getting a letter from PETA for saying his favorite food was "Spam musubi" as the Phillies sat on a 3-1 NLCS lead over the Dodgers.

But elsewhere, there are other, darker memories to consider. This day marks the 10th anniversary of something in Chicago that is recalled with far less fondness than our former center fielder getting hate mail from animal rights activists.

With five outs to go for their first World Series berth since 1945, outfielder Moises Alou could only hurl his glove in frustration as a fan reached out and caught the foul pop-up that was supposed to bring them one out closer. Steve Bartman's hands were in the way, however, the Cubs wound up losing the game, and the rest, as they say, is Cubs baseball. Someday, they'll outrun this nightmare. Until then, they can only dream.

Those 5 Damned Outs, Bleed Cubbies Blue

'It wasn't meant to be', ESPN

"I have one bad memory from that season. The rest of them are great ones."

10 years later, Bartman remains an enigma, Chicago Tribune

"...Bartman has turned down "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in inducements over the last decade, saying no to all offers and media requests, including TV's 'Dr. Phil...'"

10th anniversary: The Bartman Game, The Hardball Times

"Ten years ago today was a nightmare loss for the Cubs and their fans—especially the one in Aisle 4, Row 8, Seat 113."

10 years is long enough, it's time to let go, ChicagoNow

"It's time to set the record straight... Steve Bartman did not cost the Cubs the National League Championship Series."

10 years later, Steve Bartman remains a tragedy, Deadspin

"It should've been the happiest moment of his life."