Mad Ball

Book excerpt: "Mad Ball" is a story about the madness that invaded Wrigley Field and was consequently felt 'round the world during the 2003 MLB playoffs. Chicago attorneys and life-long Cubs fans R. Thomas Hoffman and Walter Yurkanin take us on a sweeping examination of the historic meltdown in Game Six against the Florida Marlins, finally setting the record straight on what was to blame for the Cubs' collapse. Forming their own "Commission," every aspect of the infamous "Bartman Play" is held under the microscope - interpreting and analyzing the rules, evaluating comments from players and managers, reviewing media reports, and looking at countless photos and video replays. No stone is left unturned, including the legendary Cubs curse. For Cubs fans, this book is therapeutic. For baseball fans everywhere, it's a fascinating look at one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. And for Cubs fan Steve Bartman, "Mad Ball" is freedom, and it's long overdue. "Impressively researched. If The Warren Commission Reported on the Bartman foul ball, this is what it would look like " -Bob Sirott Co-Anchor Fox Chicago News @9pm