Cubs give World Series ring to Steve Bartman, seek to provide closure

Now that the Cubs have ended their World Series jinx, they have made amends with another infamous part of their past by giving Steve Bartman a championship ring.

Bartman, a lifelong Cubs fan, achieved notoriety during Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field when he deflected a ball in the stands that left fielder Moises Alou was trying to catch. The Cubs lost the game and the series to the Marlins.

Bartman was vilified at the time and hasn’t made a public appearance in the last 14 years.

‘‘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,’’ Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement. ‘‘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.’’

General manager Jed Hoyer agreed with the sentiment.

‘‘I think if giving him a ring and issuing statements and winning the World Series allows that to go away, I think that’s wonderful,’’ he said.

Bartman released a statement thanking the organization.

‘‘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 humbly receive the ring not only as a symbol of one of the most historic achievements in sports, but as an important reminder for how we should treat each other in today’s society. My hope is that we all can learn from my experience to view sports as entertainment and prevent harsh scapegoating and to challenge the media and opportunistic profiteers to conduct business ethically by respecting personal privacy rights and not exploit any individual to advance their own self-interest or economic gain.

‘‘Moreover, I am hopeful this ring gesture will be the start of an important healing and reconciliation process for all involved. To that end, I request the media please respect my privacy and the privacy of my family. I will not participate in interviews or further public statements at this time.

‘‘Words alone cannot express my heartfelt thanks to the Ricketts family, Crane Kenney, Theo Epstein and the entire Cubs organization for this extraordinary gift and for providing the City of Chicago and Cubs fans everywhere an unforgettable world championship in 2016. I am happy to be reunited with the Cubs family and positively moving forward with my life.’’

Bartman’s lawyer, Frank Murtha, said not to look for Bartman to be honored at a Wrigley Field ceremony.

‘‘That was our choice,’’ Murtha said. ‘‘They were willing to do anything Steve wanted to do under any circumstances.’’

Contributing: Neil Steinberg

Follow me on Twitter @juandeplata.

Email: jsilver@suntimes.com

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