The Chicago Cubs haven't won a World Series since 1908. The closest they've gotten in recent MLB seasons was the 2003 NLCS against the Florida Marlins, and of all people, a fan named Steve Bartman was blamed for the team's series loss.
A fellow Cubs fan is looking to help out Bartman by starting a GoFundMe to get the infamous figure to the NL Wild Card Game. Keque Escobedo is the kindhearted citizen looking to lend a hand to the most hated Cubs fan of all time.
"Lifelong Cubs fan wants to make amends for 2003, lets make it happen. 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," Escobedo wrote on GoFundMe. "The money would pay for his expenses including his ticket, hotel room, flights and a little spending money.
"If he cannot be found by time of the big game all the proceeds raised will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association."
So far $2,273 has been raised out of the $5,000 goal.
Bartman has been in hiding for years ever since Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS when he interfered with a foul ball, which was catchable for left fielder Moises Alou and would have made the second out of the inning. A number of other fans also reached for the ball, but Bartman was ultimately the scapegoat because he touched it.
The Marlins rallied that inning after being down 3-0 and scored eight runs. They won that game, tied the series 3-3, took Game 7 back in Florida and then defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series.
The Cubs were crushed and have still not appeared in a World Series since 1945.
However, the 2015 Cubs have given many fans hope. They have the third-best record in the MLB, but they're in third place in the NL Central, which means they must play in a one-game playoff against the Pittsburgh Pirates to advance to the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals. It's the team's first postseason appearance since 2008.
As of late yesterday afternoon, the GoFundMe raised just $50. Apparently many fellow baseball fans want Bartman to enjoy himself once again and root for his favorite team, since he has received hate mail and many death threats over the years.
If Bartman comes out of hiding and this plan follows through, it would be a phenomenal feel-good baseball story.
