I can actually remember going to the first-ever Piratefest 20 years ago at the Monroeville Expo Mart, and some lucky day I might actually find the photo evidence of my attendance. After standing in line for what seemed like an eternity, I can vividly recall meeting a larger-than-life Bobby Bonilla, who quickly penned his signature on my wood-grain-designed 1987 Topps card, as well meeting the one and only Jim Leyland and several other Buccos. To be totally honest, it was one of the highlights of my life up to that point, endless wait in line aside (hey, as a 12-year-old baseball lover in Fayette County, you don't get many opportunities like that).
So I'll always hold a soft spot in my heart for the event, even if it's clouded by the deserved cynicism that comes another year of kicking off a new Pirate season. I was there at the first one, so I feel some sort of connection to it. I don't know if meeting real, live Pirates holds the same importance these days with young kids as it did 20 years ago. My brain tells me it doesn't. But I still hope that one day that will change. Contrary to what some think, I do not hate the Pirates, only what's happened to the Pirates. As I always say, a bigger crime as a fan would be not caring at all.
So for all of the people not yet totally jaded by the PBC, this year's PirateFest starts today at "The Dave", and as usual, it's loaded with opportunities for autographs, as witnessed by the schedule below (click on it for a larger view so as not to strain your eyes):
So I'll always hold a soft spot in my heart for the event, even if it's clouded by the deserved cynicism that comes another year of kicking off a new Pirate season. I was there at the first one, so I feel some sort of connection to it. I don't know if meeting real, live Pirates holds the same importance these days with young kids as it did 20 years ago. My brain tells me it doesn't. But I still hope that one day that will change. Contrary to what some think, I do not hate the Pirates, only what's happened to the Pirates. As I always say, a bigger crime as a fan would be not caring at all.
So for all of the people not yet totally jaded by the PBC, this year's PirateFest starts today at "The Dave", and as usual, it's loaded with opportunities for autographs, as witnessed by the schedule below (click on it for a larger view so as not to strain your eyes):
Here's the info for any of you who might attend. Any photos and/or first-hand accounts you could share would certainly be passed along to the readers.
- Dates and Times:
Friday, January 29: 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 30: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 31: Noon - 5:00 p.m. - Location:
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Hall A - Ticket Prices:
Adult admission: $12.00
Kids ages 14 and younger: $4.00
5 comments:
quit giving free advertising to these bums
I love the 230-400 line up.
Steve Blass is probably the only reason I still watch or listen to a game. He gets bored with the mediocre on field product and finds something else to focus on totally unrelated. One night, he and Greg Brown had a 15-minute conversation about what type of fish a kid just caught on the Riverwalk and whether it's safe to eat or not.
I bet they can't have he and Maz scheduled at the same time or they would both be too shit-faced to sign.
That 1987 Topps set was my favorite baseball set from my childhood.
In honor of Piratefest, a classic from The Onion:
http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/pirates_gm_unable_to_trade
I just hope Ryan Doumit doesn't sprain a wrist signing autographs, putting him out 3-4 months.
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