Chicago Cubs present 2016 World Series ring to Steve Bartman

On Monday, the Chicago Cubs announced that they will present an authentic 2016 World Series ring to Steve Bartman, the fan who infamously prevented Moises Alou from catching a foul ball in Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS against the Florida Marlins.

Here is the ring #Cubs gave Steve Bartman: pic.twitter.com/qjWKKzHcBt

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) July 31, 2017

“On behalf of the entire Chicago Cubs organization, we are honored to present a 2016 World Series Championship Ring to Mr. Steve Bartman,” the team said in a statement. We hope this provides closure on an unfortunate chapter of the story that has perpetuated throughout our quest to win a long-awaited World Series. While no gesture can fully lift the public burden he has endured for more than a decade, we felt it was important Steve knows he has been and continues to be fully embraced by this organization. After all he has sacrificed, we are proud to recognize Steve Bartman with this gift today.”

After the incident, Bartman was labeled as a scapegoat for the Cubs failing to reach the World Series in 2003 and extending their championship drought. In fact, he required police protection for a time afterwards as his name and address had been leaked online.

In a statement issued to WGN, Bartman thanked the Cubs for the goodwill gesture.

“Although I do not consider myself worthy of such an honor, I am deeply moved and sincerely grateful to receive an official Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Championship ring,” he said. “I am fully aware of the historical significance and appreciate the symbolism the ring represents on multiple levels. My family and I will cherish it for generations. Most meaningful is the genuine outreach from the Ricketts family, on behalf of the Cubs organization and fans, signifying to me that I am welcomed back into the Cubs family and have their support going forward. I am relieved and hopeful that the saga of the 2003 foul ball incident surrounding my family and me is finally over.”