On October 14th, 2003, the Steve Bartman game happened for the Chicago Cubs against the Florida Marlins, which eventually led to the Marlins winning the series and keeping the dirt field longer at whatever they called Joe Robbie stadium for several additional weeks. They shared this with the Miami Dolphins, coached by Dave Wannstedt.
That Sunday, at home, kicker Olindo Mare misses 2 4th quarter field goals when he slips in the infield dirt both times and the Dolphins fall to the Patriots in overtime. The Dolphins finish the year 10-6, miss the playoffs, and face a subsequent reset of the team leading to a 1-8 start the next year. Dave Wannstedt is fired by the team at that point and is hired by Pitt months later.
Several seasons later, the Panthers beat the Mountaineers 13-9 in Morgantown.
Just interesting how maybe, just maybe if Steve Bartman decides to go to the bathroom during a baseball game instead of remaining in his seat, the Mountaineers could have won the national title. And if that happened, college football today (particularly with realignment) could look a lot different. Is WVU in the SEC or ACC? Where is Pitt?
Of course, Wannstedt's replacement was Nick Saban, so it's hard to say for certain that Alabama would be a power if not for the Cubs blowing the series to the Marlins.
Just fun to think about.
That Sunday, at home, kicker Olindo Mare misses 2 4th quarter field goals when he slips in the infield dirt both times and the Dolphins fall to the Patriots in overtime. The Dolphins finish the year 10-6, miss the playoffs, and face a subsequent reset of the team leading to a 1-8 start the next year. Dave Wannstedt is fired by the team at that point and is hired by Pitt months later.
Several seasons later, the Panthers beat the Mountaineers 13-9 in Morgantown.
Just interesting how maybe, just maybe if Steve Bartman decides to go to the bathroom during a baseball game instead of remaining in his seat, the Mountaineers could have won the national title. And if that happened, college football today (particularly with realignment) could look a lot different. Is WVU in the SEC or ACC? Where is Pitt?
Of course, Wannstedt's replacement was Nick Saban, so it's hard to say for certain that Alabama would be a power if not for the Cubs blowing the series to the Marlins.
Just fun to think about.
