Steve Bartman

Steve Bartman had a front row seat at Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship series between the Chicago Cubs and the Florida Marlins when he attempted to catch a ball that was flying foul in the eighth inning.

Many fans believe that Bartman's interference cost the Cubs the series by causing the ball to become uncatchable for outfielder Moises Alou.

During the summer of 2007, Moises Alou allegedly commented, while in an elevator at Macy's with sports writer Jim Litke and Litke's two sons, that "everywhere I play, even now, people still yell 'Bartman! Bartman!' I feel really bad for the kid...you know what the funny thing is? I wouldn't have caught it anyway."ESPN: Alou Says He Wouldn't Have Caught Bartman Ball in 2003 NLCS (April 1, 2008)

Litke included this comment in an essay providing a historical retrospective of the Cubs that was published on March 31, 2008. Though it was not mentioned in the headline and appeared in the 29th paragraph, the comment created a media frenzy and generated intense criticism towards Alou.ESPN: Alou Says He Wouldn't Have Caught Bartman Ball in 2003 NLCS (April 1, 2008)

Alou denies having made the comment and Litke, when questioned since the publication of his essay, has said that Alou probably only said it to be friendly to a couple of young fans.ESPN: Alou Says He Wouldn't Have Caught Bartman Ball in 2003 NLCS (April 1, 2008)

On July 23, 2008, Bartman was offered $25,000 by a Chicago sports memorabilia collector's convention to attend the convention and sign a single autograph. The offer was for Bartman to show up on July 31, 2008, at 1:00 p.m., prove he is Steve Bartman and sign a photo, to be auctioned off for charity.Chicago Sun Times: Steve Bartman Offered $25,000 For One Autograph (July 23, 2008)

According to ESPN, Bartman has declined the offer, as he has with all other public appearances since the 2003 incident.ESPN.com: Bartman turns down $25,000... (July 24, 2008)