09-08-12 Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs

I enjoyed the ballpark and city so much when I visited last year, I decided to make a return trip to Pittsburgh, PA to catch a Pirates game as they cling to postseason hopes this year.

They hosted the Cubs in what should have been a better outcome for the Pirates, but they ended up losing the game 4-3.

We got to the ballpark just before the game started, so we didn't even try too hard to get autographs, although it would have been nice to get Andrew McCutchen.  Oh well, maybe next time.

Here is a really good shot that I took of Cutch getting beaned in the first inning.  He didn't have a good game, as you can tell.  The picture below is one of McCutchen popping out.  He ended up going 0 for 3 with a run.

I went to the game with my son, my wife, a friend I used to work with and his wife.  We had a really good time, although I was admittedly distracted toward the end of the game as I was scoreboard watching to see if the Orioles beat the Yankees.  They did, so, in all, I had a really good night.

I leave you all with this really nice night shot of PNC Park that I took as we were leaving.  I thought I did pretty well on this.

Foul Bunt on Location - August 1, 2011 Pirates vs. Cubs

I decided this year that instead of going to Baltimore (like I have since 2005) I would check out another team in another city. I settled on Pittsburgh since I had heard that the city was pretty nice and PNC Park was a great place to catch a game. I was definitely pleased with my decision.

PNC Park, which opened in 2001, is finally able to house a competitive team. Outside the park are statues of former Pirate greats Honus Wagner (seen above)...Roberto Clemente (this was amazing to see in person, by the way)

Willie Stargell and Bill Mazeroski. I really liked the Stargell statue. I think he is pretty underrated in the history of the game. He was definitely a thorn in the side of some great Oriole teams, especially in 1979 when he helped the Pirates beat the O's in 7 games in an epic World Series.
I got to see Pirate superstar Andrew McCutchen go 1 for 4 on the night. He was very impressive in his at bats and the crowd was solidly behind him.


I was pleasantly surprised at the ovation that Derrek Lee received each time his name was called. It looks like Pirate fans are very happy that he was added at the trade deadline. Lee was the source of all of the Pirates' offense tonight when he belted 2 home runs (both to standing ovations) and got 3 RBI.
Sadly, the Pirates lost their 4th in a row to a score of 5-3. Derrek Lee went 2-4 with 3 RBI. His second homer measured 410 feet.


I got a signed ball from the 1992 AL Rookie of the Year Pat Listach. He played his entire career with the Milwaukee Brewers (1992 to 1997) and had a career batting average of .251 with 444 hits, 5 home runs and 116 stolen bases.

I also got a ball signed by Cubs' rookie outfielder Tony Campana. He is batting .256 on the year with 22 hits, no home runs and 12 stolen bases in 52 games. He appeared as a pinch hitter and bunt grounded out.

I had a really good time in Pittsburgh. Everything I have heard about the city was true, it looks awesome. The city deserves a lot of credit, all of the soot from the steel industry has been cleaned up and now the city looks amazing. I definitely would consider coming back any time to catch a game.