“Although I do not consider myself worthy of such an honor, I am deeply moved and sincerely grateful to receive an official Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Championship ring. I am fully aware of the historical significance and appreciate the symbolism the ring represents on multiple levels. My family and I will cherish it for generations. Most meaningful is the genuine outreach from the Ricketts family, on behalf of the Cubs organization and fans, signifying to me that I am welcomed back into the Cubs family and have their support going forward. I am relieved and hopeful that the saga of the 2003 foul ball incident surrounding my family and me is finally over.

I humbly receive the ring not only as a symbol of one of the most historic achievements in sports, but as an important reminder for how we should treat each other in today’s society. My hope is that we all can learn from my experience to view sports as entertainment and prevent harsh scapegoating, and to challenge the media and opportunistic profiteers to conduct business ethically by respecting personal privacy rights and not exploit any individual to advance their own self-interest or economic gain.

Moreover, I am hopeful this ring gesture will be the start of an important healing and reconciliation process for all involved. To that end, I request the media please respect my privacy, and the privacy of my family. I will not participate in interviews or further public statements at this time.

Words alone cannot express my heartfelt thanks to the Ricketts family, Crane Kenney, Theo Epstein, and the entire
Cubs organization for this extraordinary gift, and for providing the City of Chicago and Cubs fans everywhere an
unforgettable World Championship in 2016. I am happy to be reunited with the Cubs family and positively moving
forward with my life.”

Classy on both ends.

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Hawaii (fuck) You

DID. NOT. HAPPEN.

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That's nice. It was strange how the Ricketts took so long to act on the Bartman issue but better late than never.

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

Bartman always struck me as classy. He's the only guy in America who didn't take his 15 minutes/payday. Good for him.

I'm actually a little surprised he accepted the ring....glad he did.

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I never blamed Bartman and thought the rage against him was wrong, but Jesus this is fucking stupid/tacky.

Still think he should be murdered

because ____________________

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Because what was his contribution to the 2016 World Series?

IMHO

right
wrong

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Hawaii (fuck) You

Are you mad you didn't get a ring Bob?

I can order one for you.

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Yeah, that's true. Good (and relatively free) publicity, though (and without an expiration date; as long as they discuss Bartman, they'll mention that the team gave him a ring), and a nice gesture to a fan who had been put through the ringer for no good reason.

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It's right up there with Crane's billy goat.

I see no need to give this guy a ring. WTF? Did Ernie Banks family get one? How about Santo's estate??

I like that commenting style

I like to be mandhandled
I like you

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He's still a fuckin nerd

I think it's only right that he blow up the ring in a ceremony at Harry Caray's.

I'd give Ron Santo's legs each a ring.

Honestly? Have you seen how many rings they've given out? I would almost assume that they did get one.

now that was estupido. having the rabbi in there cleansing the dugout was also dumb.

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Id give one to Gary Varsho before Santo

The Cubs should have retired #21 before they did anything else like this for a fan.

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you gotta destroy that in a volcano or some shit

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IIRC correctly, they reached out to him when they first took over but he didn't want to get involved with anything.

I think all the beer vendors got a ring. Even Joe Orr got one for pouring a slick glass of Merlot after games at Mia Fransesca.

Ty Waller certainly earned one

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Did the Ligues get a ring after 2005?

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I was a big fan of Scott Sanderson and Tyler Colvin too but I'm not sure they warrant retirement of a number.

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I would like to see Steve Ontiverous get a ring.