Major League Baseball’s website is reporting that the Chicago Cubs, in an effort to bring some closure to an ugly situation, today presented Steve Bartman with a 2016 World Series ring. Bartman was presented the personalized ring by Cub’s Chairman Tom Ricketts.

Bartman, a life-long Cubs fan, has been a scapegoat since the 2003 playoffs when he attempted to catch a foul ball in the eighth inning of Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series between the Cubs and Marlins.

Many feel that Bartman reached for the foul ball down the left field line preventing Chicago left fielder Moises Alou from catching it. That play, followed by several other miscues by the Cubs led to an 8 run inning by the Marlins and a game six loss by the Cubs.  It was followed by a game 7 Cub's loss the next night. Many have blamed Bartman for the Cubs failure to make it to the World Series that year.

The MLB.com story said the Cubs issued the following statement regarding the ring:  "On behalf of the entire Chicago Cubs organization, we are honored to present a 2016 World Series championship ring to Mr. Steve Bartman," the statement said. "We hope this provides closure on an unfortunate chapter of the story that has perpetuated throughout our quest to win a long-awaited World Series. While no gesture can fully lift the public burden he has endured for more than a decade, we felt it was important Steve knows he has been and continues to be fully embraced by this organization. After all he has sacrificed, we are proud to recognize Steve Bartman with this gift today”.

According to the same MLB.com story, Bartman also provided a statement which in part said: "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.”

More From 100.9 The Eagle, The Tri-States' Classic Rock Station