BREAKING
This Cubs fan did his best Steve Bartman impression.
This Cubs fan did his best Steve Bartman impression.

WATCH: Cubs fan channels Steve Bartman, ruins potential game-ending play


by - Senior Writer -

CHICAGO — Channeling Steve Bartman, a self-absorbed Chicago Cubs fan attempted to catch a foul ball and prevented Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo from making a game-ending catch.

With the Cubs clinging to a 6-4 lead in the top of the ninth of their contest with the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, Pirates outfielder Starling Marte popped up to the first-base side of home plate with two outs and runners on second and third.

Rizzo raced toward the seats and was in perfect position to make the catch in foul territory. However, a supposed Cubs fan blocked Rizzo's glove with his outreached hands. As a result, the fan's eagerness to snag a souvenir cost his favorite team from claiming a victory in an important game.

Rizzo didn't want to discuss the Bartman-type play after the game.

"It was a big win for us today," he said. "So, that's all I'm really worried about."

Maddon had the following positive take about the incident with the fan.

“But we still won the game. And if you qualify for the playoffs for the fourth year in a row I think Chicago Cubs fans should be pretty happy about that.”

Despite having a winning play taken away from him, Rizzo did not emulate Moises Alou and make a big to-do over the incident. But, much like the infamous Steve Bartman incident of the 2003 NLCS, the Cubs paid the price, as Marte tied the game up with a two-run double soon afterward.

Currently in the midst of a close race with the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League Central crown, the Cubs could have potentially secured a much-needed win had the unruly fan not shown total disregard for the team that he evidently supports.

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