The Pittsburgh Pirates’ season ended today with a 6-1 win in San Diego, so it seems appropriate to recap my experience as a first-time season-ticket holder.
I bought a small package in the spring that got me 10 games for the price of eight and a chance to see the Yankees play in PNC Park. In all, I attended 11 games over the course of the season, and while I enjoyed the opportunity to get the ballpark, it was frustrating to see the team lose as much as I did. I should have kept better track, but I think they only won once or twice while I was there.
There were some highlights, though. I caught a glimpse of what makes Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez such great players when they were in town. Of course my ticket was for one game in three that the Pirates lost (10-0)!
I saw Manny Ramirez when he came to town with the Dodgers. Despite what you read about the crazy things he supposedly does and says, he sure can hit a baseball. The only hitter I’d be more afraid of is Albert Pujols, and I got to see him play this season, too. While the Cardinals were in town, I also enjoyed watching third baseman Troy Glaus. He killed the Pirates this year. Of course, on July 12, I left the Cardinals-Pirates game in disgust after six innings because they were losing so badly. The Bucs ended up winning 12-11 in extra innings. I saw the end of the game on TV at home!
Among low-lights: I saw Yoslan Herrara pitch in two games (I use the verb “pitch” loosely. He stood on the mound and threw baseballs at home plate). I also saw a couple of miserable plays during the Dodgers game.
Strangely, I saw a repeat of the swinging bunt play three days later when the Astros came to town. This time, the swinging bunt happened to the Astros. That was also the game in Nyger Morgan failed to get on base for the first time in something like 25 games. Few good things happened while I was in PNC Park!
I’m not sure yet if I’ll do it again next year. Of course, by the time spring arrives I’ll probably once again be full of hope that the Bucs will be able to turn things around!