I am bummed that the Cubs snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, losing three straight to the (cough) Marlins, who will now face the (cough, cough) Yankees. But what really is sad is how much vitriol was being leveled at Steve Bartman for doing what any fan seeing a foul ball come at them would do: try to catch it.
Bartman was clearly upset and issued a statement on the subject. But you know, as I look at the photo, he clearly wasn't the only fan trying for a foul ball.
Fans were incensed, spurred on by the media publishing lots of specific information about him such that the poor guy had to take the day off of work, disconnect his phone and -- I'm guessing -- hide in a bunker for a while. Sports Illustrated also suggested Jeb Bush offered asylum in Florida. Hey, it's the not a bad time of year for that, but it is Florida.
The Cubs issued an official response, but not before Governor Blagojevich piled onto the media fracas with ''Nobody can justify any kind of threat to someone who does something stupid like reach for that ball." Huh? As bmonday.com noted, it's a frickin' foul ball. If Alou did make the spectacular catch, they still probably lose the game on pitching and the Alex Gonzalez error.
Finally, Wil Wheaton's open letter to "That Guy" is well-done. I thought I should write one back to him:
Bartman was clearly upset and issued a statement on the subject. But you know, as I look at the photo, he clearly wasn't the only fan trying for a foul ball. Fans were incensed, spurred on by the media publishing lots of specific information about him such that the poor guy had to take the day off of work, disconnect his phone and -- I'm guessing -- hide in a bunker for a while. Sports Illustrated also suggested Jeb Bush offered asylum in Florida. Hey, it's the not a bad time of year for that, but it is Florida.
The Cubs issued an official response, but not before Governor Blagojevich piled onto the media fracas with ''Nobody can justify any kind of threat to someone who does something stupid like reach for that ball." Huh? As bmonday.com noted, it's a frickin' foul ball. If Alou did make the spectacular catch, they still probably lose the game on pitching and the Alex Gonzalez error.
Finally, Wil Wheaton's open letter to "That Guy" is well-done. I thought I should write one back to him:
Hey, Wil,
I know this is really, really late, but it's open letter season, and I'm still sorry that you got so much crap while you were on that cult TV show. You really didn't deserve it. From what I read in your blog, you seem like a pretty level-headed fellow, and I appreciate your being philosophical about it. I look forward to your book, Just a Geek.
So, if you ever come to Seattle, bring your family; your kid(s) can play blocks with mine. I won't bring up your cult TV show if you won't bring up my employer. If anyone tries to fark with you -- which is pretty unlikely in the 'burbs -- my daughter will make a bunch of princess drawings for them to tape on their refrigerator.
Thanks,
Jim
.