The Pirates
Another somewhat controversial topic in this city 
I went to the game this past Saturday and had fun despite the fact that we lost again! I know they won Tuesday and Wednesday, but everytime I go I want to cheer for the other team. Which by the way, the Cubs were playing just fine!
The only thing that redeemed the evening was my friend who kept everyone cheering and fired up, despite us losing horribly year after year and in this particular game. It was so funny watching everyone’s faces when he was yelling, because most of them had given up years ago and I think they rather enjoyed his enthusiasm. It was also funny watching people get up to leave, even after the third inning when the Pirates didn’t do anything but miss or hit a foul ball. We could at least say they were trying if they made more of an attempt to actually hit the damn thing! But like I said on Saturday, I guess the Cubs have a really good pitcher.
Which brings me to wondering why people continue going to Pirates games despite the fact that we keep losing and baseball isn’t the most exciting sport to watch anyways. Not to mention, enough people felt strongly enough to form a fan protest, which could have gone a little better, but was proof that a lot of Pittsburghers are upset over hosting a losing team for 15 straight years.
But anyways, I think half the reason people go is the tailgating and the excuse to drink, which I have to admit was fun, but not thaaat fun. Secondly, it gives people something cheap to do. You can get bleacher seats for $9 and you can’t beat that. ($5 on Tuesdays) It’s also a good place to people watch and/or get a tan if you’re into getting skin cancer. I’d like to think the rest go because they are true fans and stand behind the team no matter what. But I could be way too optimistic with that hope.
I know I continue going on occasion for something different to do. I fully intend on taking advantage of the student rush discount when they have fireworks coming up later this month. Fireworks and a free t-shirt make it worth going for me. 
What does everyone else think? Why do you continue to go to these games? Should Pittsburghers demand more for their money?
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Pirates, PNC Park, baseball, fan protest, fireworks
July 10th, 2007 at 8:42 am
I try to get to one game a season, just to go out to the park and get outside. PNC is a really nice facility, and I really don’t care about the game at all (though I think they actually won when I went this year). It’s just a cheap way to kill an afternoon and spend some time with friends and family.
July 10th, 2007 at 11:00 am
Yeah I forgot to mention the stadium as a reason for going. It is really nice. That’s partially why I want to go to that fireworks/college night I was talking about, because the view combined with the fireworks is great!
July 10th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
I almost forgot the pierogies! Mosley you have to get them if you ever go to a game, since they make them the way I’m used to (not fried like yours!) and they are sooo good. Reasonably priced too unlike most things found at the concession stand.