Chicago, IL -- The most infamous baseball of last season will have a ball of its own before it's "executed."

The foul ball deflected by Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman in Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship will be destroyed in a public ceremony next Thursday (Feb. 26).

The Chicago-based Harry Caray's Restaurant paid $113,824 for the rights to smash the dreaded "Bartman Ball" to smithereens and prevent any part of it from getting in the hands of rival Florida Marlins fans.

However, the Bartman ball's last night on Earth will be more of a corker than one of Sammy Sosa's bats: It's getting its own suite in the Amalfi Hotel in Chicago; a staff of armed guards; and a prime rib and lobster dinner for its last meal.

Treating a baseball like a condemned prisoner may seem crazy to you but Amalfi Hotel spokesman Tim Pigsley figures it's a small price to pay to rid the team of a potential curse and ensure that Cubs fans start the baseball season with a fresh slate.

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