The Quality of Fans
Posted July 29th, 2004 @ 07:13pm by Erik J. Barzeski
Carey and I went to the Pirates/Braves game on Wednesday, July 28th. I took a few shots of the game, and this is my favorite. The Pirates left 11 men on base and Perez pitched wonderfully, but a solo HR in the 4th was the deciding factor in the 1-0 loss.
What struck me most, however, was the quality of the fan: I've previously written about the stupidity of south Florida sports fans, but having not lived in PA for about eight years, I wasn't sure if my reactions were appropriate and properly compared. It's now safe to say that they are.
Not once did the Pirates fans clap for an easily caught fly ball. The game-winning HR in the 4th inning - by the opposing team - was thrown back onto the field as it should be. One strike call in the entire game was booed - and from where I was sitting, it deserved to be. The starting pitcher - who pitched a 10 strikeout, 5 hit, 1 run 8 1/3 innings, was given a standing ovation when he was relieved. That's sports, and these are fans that know their stuff.
PNC Park is gorgeous and it's now known that Pittsburgh will host the 2006 All-Star Game.
Selig continually cited PNC Park as a primary factor in his decision to award the game to Pittsburgh just 12 years after the city hosted the 1994 contest. "This ballpark is spectacular. It certainly played a critical role," said Selig. "I wouldn't be standing here [in PNC Park] today if PNC Park didn't exist."
[funny, no? :-D]
I'll be there! In PA, anyway. It's a gorgeous stadium with ample parking readily available (for $18, that is), with one major flaw: no Will Call windows. Carey and I arrived 30 minutes early (as early as we could after she was done with work) and had to wait in line behind people who didn't pre-purchase tickets. We missed the top of the first inning.
I took some other pictures of the game, but the one linked to above is my favorite and - currently - my desktop picture. Section 114, Row S, seats 1 and 2 seem like the perfect spot to watch a game. Absolutely perfect.
The Bucs will contend next year… you just watch. I'm quite happy knowing that I'll be back in PA to watch them and listen to 'em on WFLP 1330.
Donate Life
Posted 29 Jul 2004 at 8:57pm #
I'm not sure that the Pirates will contend, considering the teams in the division, but I'd love to see it. I always enjoy watching small market teams make it in the playoffs. The Marlins last year, the Diamondbacks a few years ago. It's good for baseball.
Heck, I'd like to see the Royals in the mix too nexy year.
Posted 30 Jul 2004 at 4:46am #
Oliver Perez is a great pitcher who should have a wonderful career as a baseball player, unfortunately one bad pitch was made which lost the game. I try to go to as many Pirate games as possible since I literally live 10 minutes from PNC Park. I also can't wait for the 2006 All-Star Game festivities, especially the Home Run Derby. I am going to use my Mother's connections to get tickets for the Derby and All-Star Game. As far as the Pirates contending next year, I absolutely hope and think they can. They have a bunch of young good players that want to win and it seems like they will be able to do that next year!!
Posted 02 Aug 2004 at 3:10pm #
Great ballpark, been there before for a game, but I'm not a fan of the Pirates. I was hoping to move away soon, but seeing as where my College will be (Pittsburgh), I'm gonna be seeing alot more of them for at least the next 5 years.
Posted 24 Jul 2005 at 2:32pm #
Carey and I went to the Pittsburgh Pirates ballgame last night. The Buccos won 5-3, despite Lloyd McClendon and José Mesa's best efforts to produce a different outcome. Carey and I were seated a bit further back than the last...