Cubs planning to reach out to Steve Bartman in 2017, Tom Ricketts says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Cubs are apparently looking for closure with Steve Bartman. Tom Ricketts said the team plans to reach out to him in 2017.

Bartman is the infamous fan who reached out for a foul ball in Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series. Many blamed him for extending the Cubs' curse.

Ricketts did not say when or how the team will contact Bartman.

"I'm sure we'll reach out to him at the right time," Ricketts told USA Today Sports. "And I'm sure we'll figure something out that provides closure for everybody. Hopefully, we can make it work."

"In Chicago you stand up there and say, 'I'm sorry, man.' And you look at him. And you say it," said John Kass, Chicago Tribune columnist.

Kass was at the infamous 2003 playoff game and approached Bartman for comment as seen in the EPSN documentary "Catching Hell."

"And I said, 'My God, man, do you realize what you've done?' I'm a Sox fan. I got off on it. And ever since then I felt bad about it. And I know a lot of Cubs fans that feel bad about it too," Kass said.

There is precedent. Bill Buckner, long considered a Red Sox goat, was eventually honored at Fenway Park in a truly healing moment.

So what about Bartman? Are Cubs fans ready?

"I think it would be a great idea. I think the guy ended up being the goat for such a long time and people really gave him a hard time," said Jamie Abeyta, Cubs fan.

"He's gone through hell and back the last decade. I think it's about that time for Cubs fans to say, 'Let's move on,'" said Dylan Bonell, Cubs fan.