JAY-Z: THE YANKEES STEVE BARTMAN

Jay-Z, one of the most popular New York institutions, and one of the most successful hip-hop artists ever, finds himself atop the NYC’s Most Hated list. After the signing of his client Robinson Cano by the Seattle Mariners, the hate is in high-gear and aimed directly at Cano and at Jay-Z, deserved or not. I say that because it is unclear who was making the unreasonable demands for cash – Jay-Z or Cano or both – though the deal has both of their names on it. After reaching an $80M-wide stalemate with the Yankees, Jay-Z took his client to Seattle and was sent away empty-handed, allegedly because of unreasonable demands. One can only imagine the panic that ensued, and how flexible Roc Nation’s prime client became, when he and his agent chose to take the $240M over 10 years.

You have to wonder if in the middle of the madness of these negotiations, maybe Jay-Z lost perspective for a moment. In the hours after the contract announcement, I thought of a guy who in the heat of the moment, lost perspective, and now lives in infamy amongst the fans with whom he felt camaraderie.

I am talking about Steve Bartman. Bartman, for those that do not remember, is the man who interfered with a fly ball in foul territory during the Cubs/Marlins playoff series in 2003. He has not been heard from since his apology message to Cubs fans soon after the game.


Jay-Z is a lifelong Yankees fan, and Bartman a lifelong Cubs fan. Bartman was a typical fan who instinctively reached out for a foul ball hit near him, just like any of us would. Jay-Z, as a typical sports agent would, got what he felt was the best deal for him and his client. Blame was squarely placed on Bartman for the Cubs’ ultimate demise in the 2003, even though he had nothing to do with the epic failures on the field and in the dugout by the Cubs on that night.

Blame is being placed, at least in part, on Jay-Z for what may have been a prima donna client recklessly insisting on stratospheric dollar amounts. The fact that he did not put a gun to Cano’s head and make him sign a contract is beside the point. So is the fact that this was clearly Cano’s decision. Jay-Z is still a target of wrath. This is not to say that I am defending Jay-Z, but just that the final decision rested with Cano and that Jay-Z’s influence is unclear. What is clear is that there will be a reaction, directed at Jay-Z.

Unlike Bartman, Jay-Z is not going to disappear and go into hiding. He is the owner of a multi-million dollar media empire, and his face will continue to be out there. Nevertheless, here is one final parallel between him and Steve Bartman. Soon after the incident at Wrigley Field, we saw security personnel surround Bartman and help him leave the venue as beer and food was raining down on him. It will be interesting to see the security details surrounding Jay-Z the next time he sets foot in Yankee Stadium, and the fan reaction as his image is put up on the 6000 square foot Diamond Vision screen behind center field.

My guess is that it will not be pretty.


 
--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon
My blog is: Shots from Murderer's Row

   

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