2003 NLCS Game 6 (Steve Bartman)
The controversial fan interference play that changed the course of the 2003 NLCS.
The Steve Bartman incident was a controversial play that occurred during a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and the Florida Marlins on October 14, 2003, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, during Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2003 postseason. The play involved multiple spectators attempting to catch a fly ball and potentially affecting the outcome of the game.
Quick Facts
- Date
- October 14, 2003
- Venue
- Wrigley Field
- Series status
- NLCS Game 6 (Cubs lead 3-2)
- Result
- Florida Marlins win 8-3
- Key incident
- Steve Bartman foul ball interference
- Defensive player affected
- Moises Alou
Lore & Background
The incident occurred in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS), with Chicago leading 3–0 in the eighth inning and holding a three-games-to-two lead in the best-of-seven series. Marlins batter Luis Castillo hit a fly ball into foul territory in left field. Cubs outfielder Moisés Alou attempted to make the catch near the wall, but multiple Cubs fans reached for the ball and Steve Bartman deflected it. The umpire judged the play not to be fan interference.
Following the ruling of no interference, the Cubs' defense collapsed. On the very next pitch, Mark Prior threw a wild pitch to walk Castillo and allow Juan Pierre to reach third base. After a run-scoring single by Ivan Rodriguez to cut the Cubs' lead to 3–1, Cubs shortstop Alex Gonzalez mishandled a ground ball by Miguel Cabrera that could have resulted in an inning-ending double play. The Cubs ultimately allowed eight runs in the inning and lost the game 8–3. They also lost Game 7 at Wrigley Field the following day and were eliminated by the Marlins.
Reader's Guide
In the moments following the play, Cubs fans shouted insults and threw debris at Bartman. For his safety, Wrigley security was forced to escort him from the ballpark. Minutes after the game, his name and personal information were published online, necessitating police protection at his home. He faced further harassment, including four death threats, from fans and the media after the Cubs' loss in the series. Bartman apologized for the incident and stated his desire to move past it and return to a quiet life. Many Cubs players came to his defense, emphasizing that their performance was to blame for their loss. To compensate Bartman for his treatment, the Cubs sent him a championship ring after the team's victory in the 2016 World Series 13 years later.
Did You Know?
- In 2011 ESPN released an original documentary on the incident called 'Catching Hell'.
- If Alou had caught the ball, it would have been the second out in the inning, and the Cubs would have been just four outs away from winning their first National League pennant since 1945.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the 2003 NLCS Game 6 interference occur?
This event took place on October 14, 2003, inside Wrigley Field while the Cubs led the National League Championship Series three games to two against Florida. It remains one of the most significant moments in modern franchise history due to its timing and impact.
How did this play affect the outcome of the series?
Following the interference, the Marlins rallied to win Game 6 by a score of 8-3 and eventually took the series in seven games. This loss prevented the Cubs from reaching their first World Series appearance since 1945.
Why is Steve Bartman blamed for the Cubs missing the World Series?
Bartman became an unfortunate symbol for the team's failure after fans directed anger at him for disrupting what seemed like a routine defensive play. Many supporters believed his actions broke a chain of events that could have secured a victory and kept the season alive.
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