It's time to leave Bartman alone

I can't believe the 29th National Sports Collectors Convention at Rosemont asked Steve Bartman to sign a picture of himself at the 2003 Cub's game for $25,000.

This man has turned down all TV, magazine and book offers the past five years and wishes to be left alone.

He even became a Halloween costume in 2003.

Why is he even being blamed, instead of the Cub's shortstop who blew an easy inning-ending double play ball?

Bartman did what most fans do and went after a foul ball.

If it was interference, then the ump would have called it that.

The media can put blame on black cats, goats and Steve, but the real blame should be on Gonzales.

I don't think true Cub fans buy into these curses, as I know Piniella surely doesn't, but it makes great media folklore so it continues.

But Bartman is not a cat or goat. He's a Cub fan who's life has been trashed.

I am a Sox fan and I think Cub fans should thank the 2005 Sox for winning the World Series.

If they hadn't won, Cub owners would still be trotting out sub-par teams to 3 million loyal fans each year.

In 2006 Cub fans said, "Enough. We want to win too." And see what your demands and money finally brought the North Side in 2007 and 2008, a solid post season team.

And maybe if the Cubs win it all this year, Steve Bartman can finally be exonerated and maybe even throw out the first ball of the 2009 season.

Too much to ask, huh?

Carol Bachar

Arlington Heights