How much did the Bartman ball sell for?

By Oliver Wiener April 09, 2024 17:29

Photo by foxsports

The sale of the Bartman ball, a significant baseball memorabilia, has been a topic of interest and controversy in the world of sports.

Background of the Bartman Ball

The Bartman ball refers to the foul ball that became the center of attention during a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and the Florida Marlins on October 14, 2003, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois.

The incident occurred during Game 6 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) and had a profound impact on the outcome of the game and the subsequent events that followed.

Purchase and Price

The loose ball was initially snatched up by a Chicago lawyer and eventually sold at an auction in December 2003 for a staggering amount of $113,824.16. The acquisition was made on behalf of Harry Caray's Restaurant Group by Grant DePorter.

Destruction of the Ball

The ball was publicly detonated by special effects expert Michael Lantieri on February 26, 2004, as a means of closure on the unfortunate incident. The remains of the ball were used by the restaurant in a unique manner, as the ball was boiled and the steam captured, distilled, and added to a pasta sauce concoction.

Aftermath and Display

Following its destruction, the remains of the ball are on display at the Chicago Sports Museum, while further remains are amid various artifacts at the restaurant itself.

The Bartman seat, Aisle 4, Row 8, Seat 113, where the incident occurred, became a tourist attraction at Wrigley Field in the years following the incident.

Impact on Steve Bartman

Steve Bartman, the spectator involved in the incident, faced significant public scrutiny and backlash.

He declined interviews, endorsement deals, and requests for public appearances. His family even changed their phone number to avoid harassing phone calls.

Bartman also donated any gifts sent to him by Florida Marlins fans to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Reconciliation and Recognition

In a surprising turn of events, the Chicago Cubs organization recognized Steve Bartman with an official 2016 World Series Championship ring, symbolizing reconciliation and support.

Bartman expressed his gratitude for the gesture and hoped for healing and reconciliation for all involved.

Comparison with Sports Superstitions

The Bartman incident was associated with the Curse of the Billy Goat, a superstition allegedly laid on the Cubs during the 1945 World Series.

Many fans believed that the incident further perpetuated the curse, adding to the emotional weight and historical significance of the Bartman ball.

The sale and subsequent destruction of the Bartman ball marked the end of a controversial chapter in baseball history.

Despite the unfortunate events that transpired, the recognition and reconciliation extended to Steve Bartman by the Chicago Cubs organization provided a sense of closure to the saga surrounding the 2003 foul ball incident.

The sale of the Bartman ball, its unique destruction, and the subsequent events reflect the deep emotional and historical significance associated with this particular piece of baseball memorabilia.