pittsburgh pirates history
pittsburgh pirates history
There was a time when fans who purchased Pittsburgh Pirates tickets would take their families to Three Rivers Stadium to watch Willie Stargell, Dave Parker, Manny Sanguillen, Al Oliver and one of the greatest players of all time, Roberto Clemente. Heck, I can still remember Bill Mazeroski’s dramatic home run to beat the Yankees in the 1960 World Series. Why would a guy from the South Side of Chicago have such recollections? I guess the Pirates have a glorious history and I’ve been fortunate to witness a good part of it. But this generations pirate fans are saying “What about us”? I don’t blame them one bit.
Pirates GM, Dave Littlefield got the job in 2001 and has been very active trying to bring this franchise back to glory. To say he’s been active on the trade market doesn’t tell half of it. He’s said goodbye to Aramis Ramirez, Brian Giles and Jason Kendall while bringing in talented youngsters like Oliver Perez, Jason Bay and Cory Stewart. You see the Pirates and fighting the small market syndrome and because revenue streams aren’t as flourishing, Littlefield must be more judicious as he structures his roster. He must do all this and still create hope; enough hope to keep PNC Park populated and revenue flowing. He should have a bullet train installed between his farm club in Indianapolis and Pittsburgh, for all the call-ups he’s made. But that’s what he’s faced with, and so he carries on.
This off-season he brought in veteran Sean Casey to add some punch to the line up. The trick will be to sign Casey, who by the way is from the area and should be inclined to stay. Littlefield just signed shortstop Jack Wilson to an extension. Wilson had 200 hits last year and the GM was smart to keep him around. Joe Randa was also brought in from Cincinnati, a move that should add some punch. Those purchasing Pittsburgh Pirate tickets like the idea.
Pitching, of course is where it all starts for any team and the Pirates need some things to come together. A crushing blow was dealt early when starter Kip Wells had surgery to repair a blocked artery in his right armpit. He isn’t expected to rejoin the Pirates' rotation by the All-Star break. Rehabilitation should begin very soon. The big challenge will be to gain arm and shoulder strength.
Besides Wells, the Bucs are looking for improvement from a staff that includes Zach Duke, Paul Maholm, and Oliver Perez, who struggled last year. Of course, you never know which way young pitchers will go, so it should be an adventure. Young Mike Gonzalez will be the closer with graybeard Roberto Hernandez around for insurance.
New Manager Jim Tracy will have his hands full directing this team, but a good mix of youth and experience may be the winning formula. If you have Pittsburgh Pirates tickets and PNC is your destination, you’ll have a good time. Perhaps these youthful Pirates will join their historic forebears and win a World Series in the Steel City.
