06.28.07 3:32 PM CDT
• Sports
• Matt DeMazza
Some interesting baseball news coming out of Pittsburgh. (Yes, I said Pittsburgh, home of the Pirates, who haven’t had a winning season since 1992.) Pirates fans are planning a walkout during the third inning of Saturday night’s game vs. the Washington Nationals to protest the direction the Bucs have been going since, well, 1992.I applaud this. So often we sports fans sit back while our ticket prices are raised as we shell out $7 for beers and $5 for hot dogs. What can we do? we say.
Well, apparently, beers and dogs are one thing, but on-field performance is quite another. The Pirates have what many consider to be the league’s best ballpark in PNC Park, built in 2001. (I agree—it’s gorgeous.) And how was it built? With public funds. We need this jewel of a park to compete in baseball’s uneven economic playing field, said ownership. Sounds nice on paper, but here are the Pirates’ payrolls, beginning with 2001: $52M, $42M, $54M, $32M, $38M, $46M, $38M.
So since building this glorious new facility—with public money—the Bucs’ have cut payroll by $14M since 2001. My only question to Pirates fan about this walkout is, “What took you so long?”
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Comments on this entry:
Thanks for thinking of us "little fans" of the lowly Pirates. I guess we haven't had a walk out yet because by this time of year, when every year the Pirates have played their way out of the playoff picture, we focus on the Steelers. Needless to say, this walk out is long overdue and I'm curious to see what happens on Saturday.
Everyone is supposed to wear green t shirts to symbolize the money that is being wasted and/or not spent. The talk around the city is that everyone is going to do it, but the Pirates have asked Fox to not show it on TV. KDKA Sports promises to air it.
Thank you very much for commenting on my beloved Pirates.( the 1903 inventers of the World Series itself! ) First of all, I certainly understand why many fans are frustrated. I should know, I'm one of them.
Over the last 15 years the Pirates have let too many good players go. Just as recently as late July 2003, we lost team leaders Reggie Sanders and Kenny Lofton as well as the talented Elramis Ramirez. ( ALL THREE PLAYERS that year went on to help other teams advance to the post season ! ) -
That year was particularly frustrating because heading into the July 31st trade deadline we were still within striking distance, only nine games back, and more than 2 months to play ( I personally believe we could have competed that year , and the next season had we kept those players.) Soon thereafter, we also lost superstars Brian Giles and Jason Kendall.
There's no question the ownership has made its share of mistakes . The biggest mistake it consistently makes, is to become so youth driven, that ANY good player over the age of 30 is looked at as trade bait ! This is why we continuosly lose - because we're obsessed with having a team young enough to wear diapers instead of jock straps . That being said, there are a few very important things to remember.
ONE, As you point out, PNC Park is universally considered one of the most beautiful ballparks in the majors. Not only does it beautify our city, but it has generated a TREMENDOUS amount of outside revenue to our town, and businesses. Pittsburgh certainly got a shot in the arm with the building of PNC Park.
TWO, Pirate games are still by far the MOST affordable family sports entertainment in town. Sure , the price of food and parking will always be high at any major event. However, the price of admission for a family night out at a Bucco game, is still very reasonable. Especially considering that if you want to get great seats to Steeler and Penguin games , you may not have a family, because you'd have to auction off your wife and first born !!! lol
FINALLY, The only people who have a true right to make fools of themselves by getting up and walking out, are season ticket holders. As far as the general populace goes ( i.e. casual , fair weather Pirate fans ), there is a sad recollection that burns in my memory:
In the early 1990s, my Pittsburgh Pirates were BY FAR, THE BEST TEAM in baseball. Although we never went to the World Series, because of high priced players that choked consistently in the clutch, like Barry Bonds, we still, in 1990, 1991, and 1992 won 95 , 98, and 96 games respectively!- capturing three consecutive National League Eastern Division Championships !
I'm embarrased to say, that during those great years, WE FAILED TO SELL OUT all of our HOME playoff games.
In the final analysis, I being a Pirate season ticket holder myself, am certainly as frustrated as anybody. - but we should always remember, that win or lose, we here in Pittsburgh, are very fortunate to have a historic franchise like the Buccos in town for generations to come - and with PNC Park as their home, we certainly keep it attractive for outside entities to not only want to hold events in our town , but bring revenue to the many small businesses in the nearby communities.
Though the Pirates are inconsistent, and lose more often than they win, we have strong offense( like batting champion Freddy Sanchez, and superstar Jason Bay ), good defense, and an ace in the making in pitcher Snell.
I personally believe , the Pirates who lose games too frequently in the late innings, are only a dominant closer away from once again competing. If Matt Capps lives up to his new nickname as the " Mad Capper ", we will once again, compete for a title in the very near future. God bless the Pittsburgh Pirates !
By the way, vote for me, a hot, Pittsburgh blonde named Melissa to appear soon on the " Are you Playboy Material ? " feature here at the site.( I am the devilish expressioned, little nosed , big hoo hoo ed, Fay Wray - lookin' stunner ! - I will be on in the near future , watch for me ! ) - If you unfortunately are one of the casual fair weather Pirate fans I just dogged for not showing up at the games and walking out,..ummmm.... forget what I said, I'm down with YOU, man !!! Vote for me !!! lol !