THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Chicago Cubs left fielder Moises Alou falls back
after unsuccessfully reaching into the stands for a foul ball
against the Florida Marlins in the eighth inning during Game 6
of the National League championship series in this
Oct. 14, 2003 photo.
BY MIKE CETERA
The Chicago Cubs begin a playoff run this evening, which means the media is out to drag up the past again. No goat? Lou not buying the curse? Let's find the most recent pathetic symbol of the Cubs' woes and milk it for all it's worth.
The New York Times is the latest to weigh in. The newspaper published a story today about its efforts to stalk Steve Bartman, who clearly has no interest in rehashing the past. Can't we leave him alone?
The Times piece takes on a paparazzi air as the reporter describes the length media folk have gone to get Bartman to say anything. He's not interested. He's not a public figure. Drop it.
Why not call Frank Murtha, a lawyer and family friend, who screens Bartman’s inquiries from the news media?“You’re one in a long line who would like to talk to him,” Murtha said.
His words were polite, his tone weary. As the Cubs clinched the N.L. Central, Murtha said, “the pulse of interest has picked up.”
Murtha said a reporter from The Sun-Times showed up at the family home and was shooed away last week.
“He’s fine,” Murtha said of Bartman. “He doesn’t have any comments on what’s going on in his life.”
Let's also not forget that Bartman didn't give up 8 runs to blow the game. He didn't ruin the team's march to post-season glory. The team did.
Is it necessary to bring up Bartman again?
What is the point? Get over it. Stop writting about him.
He is not a story anymore.
Never was to begin with to tell the truth. He didnt bobble the double play ball or allow Florida hitters to blister the outfield wall.
Its not a reaching fan, goat, or a curse that has been the downfall of the cubbies...typically we just dont feild very good teams.