In 2003, Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman reached for a foul ball - as any fan would - and became part of infamous Cubs history. That night and for a time afterwards, he was vilified by many.

More than a decade has passed, and it's time to welcome Mr. Bartman back to Wrigley Field, and in a big way. Nothing would exorcise the demons, not only from the 2003 season, but every season since 1945 (the last year the Cubs played in the World Series), more than to have Mr. Bartman throw out the first pitch in Wrigley Field in 2016 to kick off the season.

We, the signers of this petition, recognize that Mr. Bartman deserves a place of honor and respect as a lifelong Cubs fan himself. We also recognize that Mr. Bartman did nothing wrong and that we want to see him throw out the first pitch. Finally, we want to make sure that Mr. Bartman knows he is one of us - a welcome member of the Chicago Cubs fan base.