Hello baseball fans. Wow, the first half of the season was chock full o' surprises, especially in the National League. whoo woulda thunk that Washington, LA and Pittsburgh, yes, Pittsburgh would be in first place. I sure wouldn'ta.
I have 3 chidren ages 22-28 and the oldest was 9 the last time our buccos hadda winning season. For two months the Pirates couldn't hit themselves out of a paper bag, but the pitching kept them afloat. In June the bats went from slumber to lumber co., the nickname of the 70's Pirates featuring Clemente, Stargell, Parker et. al. While no one expects them to keep hitting at such a torrid pace it seems like they are learning how to win any way it takes. They are near the top in all of baseball in winning one run games. Personally, I hope for .500 the rest of the way which would keep them in the playoff race and, give them their first winning season since '92. The coolest part is that the vibe around here is similar to when the Steelers first made the playoffs in 1972, the year of the 'Imacculate Reception'. The fans are being drawn orgainically to the team and it's style of play and individual personalities. People flock to PNC park with Jolly Roger flags flying just like they showed up at 3 rivers w/their italian flags for Franco's Army. The bond is building and the best ballpark in america is buzzing every night. If anybody has a chance to see a game here I'd recomend doing so. This might not be a championship season, but it's the foundation for, hopefully, years of good ball to come. For now, It's so cool to be in a race with Cincy and the Red Birds.
The Nationals are something to watch with their pitching and young bats, Atlanta still finds a way to be right there and the Mets are on the verge of, finally, putting it together behind the best knuckleball pitcher I ever seen. The Rangers are out to claim their championship after two years at the doorstep. The Yankees reload and win. I think Baltimore still has a bit of life in them and watch out for Prince and the Tigers. I'll let you all chime in about your favorite squadrons and put my 2 cents in later.
I have 3 chidren ages 22-28 and the oldest was 9 the last time our buccos hadda winning season. For two months the Pirates couldn't hit themselves out of a paper bag, but the pitching kept them afloat. In June the bats went from slumber to lumber co., the nickname of the 70's Pirates featuring Clemente, Stargell, Parker et. al. While no one expects them to keep hitting at such a torrid pace it seems like they are learning how to win any way it takes. They are near the top in all of baseball in winning one run games. Personally, I hope for .500 the rest of the way which would keep them in the playoff race and, give them their first winning season since '92. The coolest part is that the vibe around here is similar to when the Steelers first made the playoffs in 1972, the year of the 'Imacculate Reception'. The fans are being drawn orgainically to the team and it's style of play and individual personalities. People flock to PNC park with Jolly Roger flags flying just like they showed up at 3 rivers w/their italian flags for Franco's Army. The bond is building and the best ballpark in america is buzzing every night. If anybody has a chance to see a game here I'd recomend doing so. This might not be a championship season, but it's the foundation for, hopefully, years of good ball to come. For now, It's so cool to be in a race with Cincy and the Red Birds.
The Nationals are something to watch with their pitching and young bats, Atlanta still finds a way to be right there and the Mets are on the verge of, finally, putting it together behind the best knuckleball pitcher I ever seen. The Rangers are out to claim their championship after two years at the doorstep. The Yankees reload and win. I think Baltimore still has a bit of life in them and watch out for Prince and the Tigers. I'll let you all chime in about your favorite squadrons and put my 2 cents in later.
