Chicago Cubs Battling History and Bartman

Last night the Chicago Cubs took down the dynastic St. Louis Cardinals to advance to the National League Championship Series. Today, October 14th, is the day the lord did not make for Cubs fans though. Because today marks the twelve year anniversary of the Steve Bartman robbery incident; a crime committed against the ever loyal Chicago Cubs fans by one of their own.  

For on this date in 2003, a bespectacled, headset wearing Cubs fan sitting along the outfield third base line interfered with a Cubs player chasing down a pop-up foul fly ball.  If not but for the Cubs cursed history, this seemingly innocent episode would've most likely passed as just another fan folly that could've happened to any desperate fan wanting a piece of postseason paraphernalia to take home and tell stories about for the rest of his life.  

But this wasn't just any team playing in a championship series. These were the Chicago Cubs, the biblical "Job" of baseball, who's been suffering one of the longest championship droughts in professional sports.

Here's the call that gave the Devil his due:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Cubs were ahead, 3-0, in the eighth inning, five outs from their first World Series appearance in 58 years, when Bartman reached for and deflected a foul ball that left fielder Moises Alou had leapt for and appeared ready to catch. The Marlins went on to score eight runs in the inning, win the game and then win the series the next night.
----------------------------------------------------------


So today in the year 2015 is the day the Lord hath made. Cubs fans once again are rejoicing in a morning that brings rays of hope and excitement as their team sits atop the National League awaiting it's next challenge.  It'll be the Dodgers or Mets who'll get a crack at toppling God's humble servant from the peak of greatness.  The robber that stole Christmas from the Cubs in 2003 is a distant yet still painful memory. With a return to the World Series the city of Chicago might just show forgiveness for the felon that is Steve Bartman and pardon his crime. 

Should the Cubs go on to win the whole caboodle, exorcising a curse that dates back to the horse and buggy days of 1908, it'll be "Thee Day" which the Lord hath made for some of the best fans in baseball. What true fan of sports wouldn't wanna witness such a glorious day as this?  I know of one who can only look upon such a day as a long awaited blessing and relief. 

Bartman, your penance may be lifted in the weeks to come. You may "go, and sin no more." Peace be with you!