Chris Heel Presents: A Look Back At 2003
I know this is a sore spot for all Cubs fans, including myself, but I just want to clear the air from my perspective on the 2003 meltdown in the post season.
Game 6 - The Infamous Incident
Steve Bartman remains to this day as the "evil" one who cost the Cubs the 2003 post season. While, I'm a Cubs fan, I have to say in my opinion, blaming him is just an escape excuse to keep from blaming the real source. The Cubs meltdown was caused by a slew of miscues.
When the incident occurred, Moises Alou was quick to start the "death to Steve Bartman" with his reactions. While, I understood and still understand where he was coming from in being frustrated, he went the wrong way about it. Had Bartman not did it, who's to say if he would have caught it? What if he didn't catch it without Bartman doing that? Would he be blamed for it like Bartman? I can't say because no one knows, but I'm going on a feeling and just speculate and say no.
Then you had the next pitch from Mark Prior. I believe he went into that pitch in frustration from what occurred. Understandable to a degree, but he should have concentrated on getting the out(s). That was Dusty Baker's job to get Mark Prior to calm down, but where was he? The meltdown was occurring but he was no where to be found, that's odd, but how is that Steve Bartman's fault? I can see a little bit why Dusty would send Rothschild, but in that sense and situation Dusty should have. I know there's no sense to say should, could, should have, or could have at this point in time, but those are a fair assessment in saying it for that time.
Then you had Alex Gonzalez's error. How was that Bartman's fault? Bartman didn't throw the pitch that caused the hit that Gonzalez misplayed. It was just another notch of the meltdown of that game, that could've been resolved and game 6 could've went to Cubs, but it just didn't happen.
Then you can't forget Bernie Mac putting the proverbial gynx by saying "Root Root For The Champs", because Cubs fans know not to put the cart before the horse and I as a sole individual believe in that as well. Then you can't forget about the curse. Then also, you can't forget that there was a game seven.
I know some of you might be feeling I'm just echoing the "Can't Blame" episode on this, but even though it appears like I am, I fully and whole heartedly agree with what was said. I feel bad for what he's gone through and I am ashamed of how I acted at the time of the incident.
So, what side are you on?
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Chris Heel Presents: A Look Back At 2003
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