A GoFundMe account entitled “Get Bartman to Cubs wildcard game” has been created in an attempt to send infamous Cubs fan Steve Bartman to the playoff game Oct. 7.
Bartman is remembered as the fan who reached for a foul ball during the Cubs’ NLCS game-six loss to the then-Florida Marlins.
The account, created by Keque Escobedo, has raised nearly $1,000 and has a goal of $5,000.
“Lifelong Cubs fan wants to make amends for 2003, lets make it happen,” the page reads. “First we need to find him to get him to the big game. If anyone knows where he is at, tell him we are looking for him. The money would pay for his expenses including his ticket, hotel room, flights and a little spending money.”
The page also notes that if Bartman can’t be located, all proceeds raised will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.
One donor, who pledged $25, wrote “Steve deserves free season tickets to Wrigley for life. Go Cubs Go!”
“It wasn’t your fault, Steve. I would have tried to catch the foul ball had I been in your position. Hope to see you at the game!” wrote another.
But not every donation had the Cubs’ best interests in mind.
“I’m a Pirates fan so this couldn’t hurt our chances…,” said Steven Conley, who contributed $5.
In total, 75 donations have been made.
If the season ended today, the wild-card game would be played in Pittsburgh. Chicago currently trails the Pirates by two games with three to play.
The Cubs would need to sweep their three-game series with Milwaukee and have Pittsburgh lose two of three to Cincinnati in order for the game to be played at Wrigley.
According to a 2013 report from the New York Times, Bartman hasn’t returned to Wrigley since the incident.
