After an error was discovered on the official Wrigley Field 100th Anniversary celebratory mural last month, the Cubs have announced that they will be replacing the 1927 photo of fans honoring Charles Lindbergh, which was actually taken at Comiskey Park, with a 2003 photo of Steve Bartman deflecting a foul ball in the famous NLCS Game 6 incident of that year.
“We’re 100 percent sure this photo was taken at Wrigley,” said club spokesman Julian Green. “As part of our decade-themed homestands, we are inviting Mr. Bartman to throw out the first pitch at a game later this season. Just like when the Red Sox finally got Bill Buckner to throw out the first pitch at an old-timers day, we want to show Steve we’ve officially gotten over what happened. We hope Steve will contact us and allow Cubs fans everywhere to show him he has not been forgotten.”
A survey found Cubs fans are also solidly supporting the plan to forgive Bartman.
“Coulda happened to anybody, and it sure wasn’t his fault when Gonzalez muffed the double-play ball that would have gotten us out of the inning,” said long-time Cubs fan Larry Davis, who was at the game that night with his father and grandfather. “Besides, I’m a fan, not a fanatic. And I’m sure the Cubs will win this season with all the talent Jed and Theo have put on the field. I can’t wait to celebrate the raising of the World Series Championship banner over Wrigley with my dad and grandpa. I’m personally looking forward to meeting the Steve Bartman in person, you have no idea how much.”
Fans who want to participate in the on-field ceremonies should stay tuned for further information as plans develop.
