Why me? Steve Bartman 10 years later

October 14, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Steve Bartman went to support his Cubs, afterward he would feel the wrath of a city

Steve Bartman went to support his Cubs, afterward he would feel the wrath of a frustrated city.

We’ve all been there. Sitting in the crowd, hoping that a foul ball will come our way. A physical memory from our favorite pastime. However, for one fan he din’t catch a memory, he caught hell. Being a Cubs fan is about dreaming. Dreaming that your team, a ball club that hasn’t won a championship since 1908 will win the World Series. Then you wake up. Your team is not in the playoffs, they’re still cursed by a billy-goat, and all you can think is “maybe next year”. Steve Bartman was one of those fans. A lifetime Cubs fan who thought he had bought a ticket to the long awaited exorcism of the Cubs’ curse. Finally the Cubs would go from the Lovable Losers to champions. He had a front row view, aisle 4, row 8, seat 113. Little did he know, this would be the spot where his life would change forever.

In 2003, the Cubs were on the verge of history. That year they dominated baseball with an 88-74 record and looked like they would finally overcome their franchise’s demons. After losing game 5 to the Marlins, The Cubs returned home to Wrigley Field with a 3-2 series lead. Cubs fans packed the friendly confines and the streets around the ballpark realizing that their salvation was 9 innings away. They had Mark Prior, the leading candidate for the CY Young Award on the hill, they were at home, it all appeared to be destiny. After jumping out to a 3-0, Cubs fans were still filled with an anxious excitement. They were six outs from glory, then five. Then, it happened. Luis Castillo fouled off a pitch that headed toward the left field foul line. A lazy pop up that was begging to be caught. Moises Alou drifted over, leaping into the air glove outstretched and then, confusion. The ball bouncing into the stands, Alou throwing his glove, screaming at the top of his long, and a fan slumped over. Then the air was filled with silence. No one knew what happened, it all happened so fast.

Bartman wasn’t the only fan going for the ball

In a sea of outstretched arms Bartman’s were the ones that hit the baseball. At the time it didn’t seem like a big deal. Alou couldn’t make a difficult catch, it was a foul ball. But for some reason, Cubs fans thought that this was the end. Reaffirmation that they were cursed. On the field, the Cubs were coming apart. After walking Castillo, Prior induced a perfect double play ball to Alex Gonzalez, the best fielding shortstop in baseball, who closed his glove and dropped the ball right in front of him, error. Why doesn’t anyone remember this? How was Gonzalez not the scapegoat when he cost the Cubs the chance to get out of the inning with the lead? Then, the Marlins erupted. With there new life the Marlins just keep hitting and hitting and hitting. When the dust finally settled after the barrage of hits the Marlins were winning 8-3. Eight runs, one inning, game over. The attention though wasn’t focused on how one of the best teams in baseball gave up eight runs in an inning, but with the fan with the headphones. The image of the young man wearing the glasses, black sweatshirt, green turtle neck, headphones, and Cubs hat was the picture that Cubs’ fan would vent their frustration on.

In a ballpark known as “the friendly confines”, nothing was friendly about game 6. Instead of rallying behind their Cubs, the fans instead vented almost a hundred years of frustration on one of their own. They didn’t even pause for a second to think, “hey that could have been me”. Fans began to hurl obscenities, food, and beer at their fellow Cubs’ fan until he was escorted from his seat. When his identity was finally revealed Bartman received thousands of death threats and had to go into hiding. The next day was filled with Bartman death threats, and disgusting internet jokes about how fans wanted to kill him. However, there was still a game seven left to be played. Cubs fans went from being ecstatic that the team could clinch at home to there might as well not be a game 7. Despite another opportunity, the Cubs would fall the Marlins in game 7, blowing a 3-1 series lead and the opportunity to play in the World Series. With the Cubs finished fans decided that the blame rested with an innocent fan, rather than a team that choked away three opportunities to go to the World Series. Much like Bill Buckner in Boston, both of these men were given all of the blame for losses that weren’t solely their fault, or not their fault at all. Unlike Bartman, Buckner’s demons were exorcised in 2004 when the Red Sox won the World Series. As long as the World Series drought continues, fans will blame Bartman because he reminds them of the “curse” on the Cubs that has plagued the team since 1908.

It’s not what Bartman did to the Cubs, it’s what Chicago did to him and the people of Chicago that owe Bartman an apology

10 years later the biggest question surrounding the Bartman game to me isn’t if the Cubs would have won, but what happened to Steve Bartman? In an age with technology and media where if we sneeze people know about it, how has Steve disappeared?Like many great conspiracies there are a number of theories. Some say he moved, some say he changed his name, but none knows for sure. Despite being offered thousands of dollars to appear at shows or in commercials, Bartman has declined to show his face. Meanwhile, the man who got the “Bartman ball” sold it for 100,000 dollars. Think about that. For all of Bartman’s suffering some other Cubs fan made 100,000 dollars. One thing that is certain, the event cost Bartman the chance for a normal life. Today, he still lives in hiding because a whole fan base is against him. While ten years have passed and most have probably forgiven Bartman, he probably realizes that if he reveals himself that some nut might take a swing at him because he’s Steve Bartman. I personally feel terrible for Steve Bartman. He went to a game as a fan, he made a mistake, and asked for forgiveness. Usually, I’m the first to point out the positives that sports provides individuals in their lives, but this is not one of these cases. This is the unfortunate incident where a sporting event hurt an innocent person and their life. For all the negativity and chaos surrounding him, Steve Bartman is one of the bravest men I can think of. While most people would use this fame for material benefits or as a chance to get back at the Cubs fan base, Bartman has instead decided to move on. While we may not know where he is today, Bartman is continuing with his life as best he can despite having to live in secrecy. It’s unfortunate but until the Cubs win a World Series, Bartman will still be the unfortunate scapegoat. This fan base has associated Bartman with the team’s World Series drought, which until it’s over means that the Cubs fans will never fully forgive Steve. However, they should be the ones apologizing. I hope that somewhere out there that Steve Bartman is living a happy life, because if anyone deserves it, it is him. Maybe Steve Bartman might even read this article one day and I hope he does. He is one of us, a legion of loyal sports fans who could have been in that seat. 10 years later, Steve Bartman has become the most famous fan in sports history. Hopefully, this will never happen to another fan again.

The Best Ever! a look back at Mariano Rivera’s career

September 26, 2013September 27, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The scene has been played over and over again. Yankee stadium, one run game, top of the ninth. Blinding lights from the grand stand puncture the black New York sky. The outfield gates swing open to the sounds of Metallica’s Enter Sandman blasting over the

When 42 walked out of the bullpen, it was pretty much over

PA system. 50,000 plus fans erupt into jubilant cheers that bombards the opposing team like an avalanche. Then he emerges. The pinstriped assassin. Carrying a black glove in his right hand as navy 42 on his back bounces up and down with each long stride he takes towards the pitching mound. As he once again climbs the Yankee Stadium mound and grabs the baseball everybody is thinking the same thing. Game Over! In the final days of the 2013, Yankee fans enter an unfamiliar world. A life without Mariano Rivera. As Mo departs the Yankees, many of the Yankee faithful and baseball fans are left to wonder, is this the beginning of the end for the Yankee Empire? Through all the tough times and questions that have surrounded this franchise for years now from declining production, bad free agent signings, and off the field issues, the one constant has been Rivera. When the game was on the line everyone knew who was going to take the ball. Mariano Rivera blowing a game happens about as often as a blue moon. If it happened, it was a rare anomaly. What only adds to the Rivera mystique is not only how good he is, but how long he’s been dominant. During his reign as the game’s elite closer, we’ve seen many great closers come and go, but Rivera was the standard. Eric Gagne? Sure he set the consecutive saves record but after that streak he slowly faded into obscurity. Trevor Hoffman? One of the greatest ever, but by the end of his career his talent had faded while Rivera remianed the cream of the crop. Jonathan Papelbon? Sure he’s won a World Series, and while he has had some dominant season, he’s had his fair share of mediocre ones. When we talk about great closers, Rivera is the one we all think of. Don’t believe me? Name five other elite closers, better yet name three that are in the same ballpark as Rivera! Can’t do it can you? What sets Rivera apart from every other closer is all of the great attributes the man possesses. He has a composure that cannot be broken, even in the toughest situations. Rivera has incredible stamina. In an age where closers are bred for three outs, Rivera constantly would come into pressure situations in the eighth and could get more than three outs. However, what impresses me the most is his stuff. He had one pitch. Think about that for a moment. If Major league hitters know what pitch is coming most times that ball will find a home in the upper deck. Mariano Rivera’s cutter is one of baseball’s greatest pitches. Over 90 MPH, unbelievable movement, devastating late action, and pinpoint accuracy. Even these adjectives don’t give Rivera’s cutter the justice it deserves. It’s living art that you have to witness for yourself. It’s unbelievable that a hitter knew exactly what was coming, but batters could never truly figure out Rivera’s cutter. With that one pitch Rivera ruled the

With his cutter, Mariano became not only one of the greatest Yankees, but the greatest closer ever

ninth inning like no other pitcher before him. For 19 glorious years Rivera’s cutter not only broke a small forest worth of bats, but made the game’s greatest hitters look foolish. Armed with that one pitch Rivera would notch 652 career saves and counting while posting a brilliant 2.21 ERA. However, like most closers, it’s when the lights shined the brightest that he was at his best. In the post season, where Rivera won five World Series championships, Rivera was the best. An 8-1 record, 42 saves, and a 0.71 ERA. Mariano is the definition of clutch. While his regularly season numbers are incredible, his post season numbers alone make him a legend. In an era dominated with steroids and inflated offensive numbers, we may look back with a smile and say we witnessed the greatest closer of all-time. I missed the great Yankees of the past and have always heard about the honor of watching those men play. The greats like Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, Berra, Jackson, Dimmagio, and Maris should now include Rivera. Sure, Jeter has 3000 and is the greatest captain, but he’s not the greatest shortstop of all time. Rivera is the greatest closer to climb the mound. With the Yankees already fittingly retiring Rivera’s number in monument park this past it’s weekend, just proves that one day we’ll look back and tell our kids I saw Mariano Rivera pitch. While he will not go out with another World Series ring, Rivera will leave the game with not only his hall of fame resume, but with the respect of every major league player. Baseball is filled with dishonest and diva superstars, but Rivera was simple and humble. As Rivera once said: “I get the ball, I throw the ball, and then I take a shower.” It’s only fitting that a man who has given so much both on and off the field be rewarded for his service to the game. We’ve seen all teams Mariano has played this year give him a trinket in gratitude. The only tribute was the All-Star game. At Citi Field the they played his classic intro and when he went to the mound he got a standing ovation from the players and fans. When he does finally step off the field this week, it will be a sad day for the Yankees and baseball. Rivera is a tremendous individual that played the game it was meant to be played. He was more than a great person, he was an unbelievable human being. Baseball may be losing one of its greats, but Cooperstown will soon welcome another legend. From all of us who love this game, Thank You Mo, for the memories!

Baseball’s newest villain

July 23, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

From franchise savior to baseball villain

It wasn’t that long ago when baseball and steroids were as common as peanut butter and jelly. However, in an era where baseball is desperatly trying to clean up its “juiced” image, the Biogenesis case has certainly been a black eye. In a game that once encouraged players to get as big and strong as possible in order to hit tape measure home runs, it just seems that every time baseball is just about to even playing field, we come to find out that yet another superstar took steroids. This isn’t the first time Ryan Braun and steroids have been linked together. Just a few years ago the Brewers slugger was found guilty of using performance enhancing drugs. While the original suspension was appealed and later reduced, the fact that baseball was now implementing the 50 game suspension. Now Major League Baseball has found out that once again Mr. Braun has been getting a little too brawny. For his second strike, Major League Baseball gave Braun a 65 game suspension, and there are rumors that A-Rod could be next. Braun has become the villain of baseball, and MLB might be happy about that. They need to create a poster child for what happens when you cheat and cheat again. For College Football it was SMU, for the NFL it was Pacman Jones, and the NHL Billy Couto. MLB wants to prove that no superstar is too big, and that it will no longer tolerate the substance abuse that has plagued the game for decades. This will also lead to the question, what happens if he is caught for a third time? Will it be the classic baseball saying that “three strikes and you’re out”? Will MLB now consider a life ban from the game? Either way Braun has let down his team, and his other players. Will the problem of performance enhancement drugs ever go away? In my opinion it will never go away. As long as there are millions of dollars at stake players will take the gamble. Seriously if the risk was sit fifty games but make fifty million if you took performance enhancers you’re telling me that most if not all people would take that risk? Here’s what I think. Will a lifetime ban be effective, not really because you already have two chances to clean up your act before the final strike. You really want to stop these players? Hit them where it hurts, the wallet. Have a new rule in their contracts where if they are caught taking performance enhancing drugs that they can be terminated immediately and t will lose any money remaining on their contract. With Ryan Braun’s suspension, baseball is taking a step in the right direction, but they need to do more. Whether it is right or wrong baseball is going to make this guy a villain. Baseball needs a person who will now not only pay the consequences on the field, but socially and in the media. The media is going to rip Braun apart for cheating, while the majority of baseball fans will look upon him with disgust. It’s truly sad to see some one cheat their way to the top. Being a former player and not cheating my entire life it angers me when I see other players getting ahead by taking short cuts. Despite how he has tainted baseball, Braun may be a great thing for the game. Because he is the villain and now has been dragged through the ringer, maybe the rest of the pros will finally wake up and stop juicing.

Where are they now? Ricky “The Wild Thing” Vaughn

July 14, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The “Wild Thing” tattooed his unique legacy on the classic game

Like a cowboy in the wild west, when Rick Vaughn stared you down through those spectacles it made even the toughest man quiver in their boots. Is it because he can hurl an object at your head at a hundred miles per hour? Or that he could he beat you to a pulp in the blink of an eye? The answer is yes to both. When Ricky Vaughn broke into the Majors in 1989 he was raw power. A fastball that sat at a 100 MPH was his weapon of choice, the problem is he had no idea where it was going. With control problems garnering him the infamous nickname “The Wild Thing”, it wasn’t until Vaughn was given a pair of horn spectacles that he truly became one of the game’s elite. Armed with a fastball he called “the terminator” he helped to bring respect back to the Indians organization. After one of the best seasons as a rookie pitcher, Vaughn struggled in 1990 when he tried to “reinvent himself” by trying to improve on his secondary pitches and cleaning up his “bad boy attitude” It was a roller coaster season that led to Vaughn being demoted to the bullpen after a drop in velocity and sub par secondary pitches. However, in the Playoffs Vaughn found his velocity and attitude to once again become a force in the World Series. However, Jim Taylor decided to keep Vaughn in the bullpen, a decision he openly admits was a mistake, as the Indians would lose game seven while Vaughn, now the closer, never got into the game. The next two seasons Vaughn would win 20 and 21 games and helped the Indians to two more World Series appearances. But After the third consecutive World Series loss, Vaughn’s career would take a sharp down turn. On the way to the 1993 Spring Training, Vaughn crashed his Harley while doing a 120 MPH on the freeway. The accident caused severe head trauma and tore his rotator cuff. After rehabbing for a year and a half it looked like Vaughn would be able to join the Indians late in the 94 season, but the baseball strike that season brought that dream to an end. The late 90’s were not kind to Vaughn as he missed more time off the field with altercations, injuries, and

After years of turmoil Vaughn has found peace, for now

suspensions. These included bar fights off the field, failing drug tests, and suspended by the Indians for inappropriate “staff” relationships. After the 1999 season the Indians refused to resign Vaughn citing the off the field issues and a severe drop in velocity. With no other teams offering him a contract, Vaughn did what every washed up ball players does, head to the broadcast booth. This turned into a disaster when his constant swearing lead to a disagreement with Joe Buck. Vaughn would punch him live on TV in the face for “not shutting up” according to Vaughn. The Wild Thing has remained true to his namesake in the first decade of the twentieth century. With three different arrests including one for driving his Harley across the field during an Indians game, wearing only his sunglasses and a pair of underwear. After a second stint in rehab it looked like Vaughn was on the right track. But just as mysteriously as he arrived in the big leagues, he vanished. No one knows where Vaughn is these days, but he maintains a twitter account with over five million followers. It seems that Vaughn has been traveling around the country on his Harley occasionally posting a bizarre tweet or picture, just like last week when he posted a picture of himself giving a McDonald’s employee a wedgie. The reason? Apparently he wouldn’t give Vaughn a free meal for being a “celebrity”. Wherever he is one thing is for sure, he will always be the bad boy of baseball. “Wild Thing” you made baseball interesting.

Where are they now? Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez

July 7, 2013April 9, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / 5 Comments

Benny Rodriguez still has a major role in the game he loves

“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die”. These were the words that Benjamin Rodriguez lived by growing up. A simple yet powerful phrase that constantly reminded him that he could always be better.

Growing up in the San Fernando valley just outside of Los Angeles, Rodriguez didn’t play but lived the game baseball. With a Dodgers cap atop his head Rodriguez spent as much time as he could on the diamond. From sun up to sun down, if you wanted to find Benny just go to the ball field. His longtime friend Scott Smalls described Rodriguez’s obsession in an interview saying “Benny would have played ball day, night, rain, shine, tidal wave, whatever. Baseball was the only thing he cared about”.

After finishing high school as one of the top prospects in the nation, Rodriguez was drafted by his favorite team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the second round. It didn’t take long for Rodriguez to impress to Dodgers brass. Tommy Lasorda recalls the first time he saw Rodriguez on the field. “We were playing a inter-squad game in Vero Beach that spring and I remember Rodriguez lacing a single and then preceding to steal second and third. Then I saw the lead he was getting off of third and thought there’s no way he’s crazy enough to steal home. When he swiped home I just looked at my staff and their mouths were on the floor. After that day I knew we had a star in the making”.

By the age of 20, Rodriguez was hitting leadoff for the Dodgers and leaving his mark on baseball history. When he was 22, Rodriguez earned his nickname, Benny the Jet, by setting the Major League record for stealing home in a season. That year Rodriguez swiped home a record seven times, while hitting .355, and stealing a total of 71 bases. With Rodriguez’s unique 5 tool set, he helped the Dodgers win two World Series Championships, became a three-time MVP, and 11 time all-star. Sadly, “The Jet” was grounded before he reached pinnacle.

In pursuit of Ty Cobb’s infamous 54 home steals, Rodriguez was just two away from tying the record when he tried for number 53. This time as he slid toward home plate his right knee would connect with the catchers shin guard, his knee buckled. From that day forward Rodriguez never made a full recovery and never stole home again. Being only 31 at the time, it was only a matter of time until Rodriguez would have broken Cobb’s record.

Despite the injury Rodriguez would play for three more seasons. With his range crippled, the Dodgers moved him to first base where for two seasons he belted 45 home runs and hit for a .300 average. Despite this, the declining Rodriguez seemed destined to be moved to the American League to be the DH for the remainder of his career. However, Rodriguez wanting to only play for the Dodgers and realizing how far his skills had declined abruptly retired at 34. When he retired he had 1,301 stolen bases, 52 of which were home,with a career batting average of .317, and 396 home runs.

Retirement was tough on Rodriguez because for the first time in his life he wasn’t playing. “At first I just couldn’t handle it. I was in a dark place for a while without baseball. I tried to separate my self from the game, but I was depressed. Heck, Smalls even tried to get me in the booth, but that just wasn’t for me”.

After years of internal turmoil, baseball brought Benny back. After being given the manager’s job for the Las Vegas 51s, the Dodgers former Triple A team, Rodriguez realized that he had found what he was supposed to do. “I realized that I could make a difference in young players lives and loved the challenge”. Now the hitting coach with the Dodgers Rodriguez’s latest triumph is the Dodger’s latest phenom, Yasiel Puig. “It’s easy working with him, I’ve never seen a player with so much talent and a love for the game. It’s easy to work with someone who loves the game so much, and he reminds me of myself when I was playing”. When asked about the possibility of leaving for a managerial job Rodriguez replied “I’d never leave this organization. I was born a Dodger, I’ll die a Dodger”.

Benny the Jet will always have his place in Dodger history and in Cooperstown. One thing is for certain, this is one legend that will never die.

The Greatest game you’ve never heard about

May 21, 2013May 23, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

For 12 innings Haddix was perfect

Baseball can be a cruel mistress. Just ask Harvey “Hard Luck Harv” Haddix. Never heard of him have you? Neither did I, but he is responsible for the greatest pitching performance in baseball history. Despite the most dominate performance a pitcher has ever had, he still lost the game. You’re probably saying “wait how can a pitching performance be so great if the guy lost”? It’s not like he threw a perfect game. Ah, but he did throw a perfect game, and more. On May 26, 1959, against the Milwaukee Braves, Haddix toed the rubber for the Pittsburgh Pirates. With just a fastball and a slider, the Braves couldn’t figure out the southpaw. Inning after inning, batter after batter, Haddix dominated the Braves potent lineup. Haddix said that “I could have put a cup on either side of the plate and hit it” and displayed pinpoint control with the baseball. Even with the Braves bullpen pitchers stealing the signs and telling the hitters what was coming, the Braves still couldn’t buy a hit. Finally, after 9 innings, Haddix had done it- 27 up 27 down- a perfect game, erh sort of. Despite the performance, the Pirates offense couldn’t score a single run in order to get Harvey the win. So what did he do, he kept pitching. Soon the 10th,11th, and 12th, innings flew by with Haddix still perfect. Finally, in the 13th, the pursuit of perfection was over. After an error by Don Hoak, a sac bunt, and a home run by Joe Adcock the shutout and no-hitter evaporated too. The game would end in a 2-0 loss for the Pirates and

With a record of 36 batters retired consecutively, Harvey has one streak that will never be beaten

With a record of 36 batters retired consecutively, Haddix has one streak that will never be beaten

Harvey’s performance was soon forgotten. How can we judge this performance? A record of 36 outs of pitching perfection, or a performance that should be forgotten without the win? Without question this was one of the greatest feats in baseball history. To get 27 outs in a row is almost impossible as it is, but 36? Think of all the factors that have to go into a perfect game. As human beings, we are designed to be imperfect, to have flaws. Baseball is a great representation of this because while a pitcher can be perfect, his team can be imperfect. The whole perfect game was broken up because of a fielding error. Trying to be perfect in an imperfect game filled with fielding errors, bloop singles, bad umpires, and bad luck is just a representation of what we have to through in life. If anything, Haddix has taught us all an important life lesson. No matter how perfect we are, we are imperfect people living in an imperfect world. Instead of blaming people for their imperfections, or in this case, costing a player the greatest pitching performance ever, you just have to let it go. It’s tough to do, but we have to accept that the past has already been written and that all we can do is be ready to write our future.