I still believe...

As I write this the Pirates are...wait for it...WINNING....

What has happened to our Buccos and why am I and seemingly every Pirates fan, be they long-suffering or bandwagon, so troubled by it???

I was at the game last Thursday and talk about a major change in ballpark atmosphere. The fan numbers were significantly lower; there is not a lot of the flashing of the Zoltan "Z;" the energy in the stadium was subdued. Yet, during the game (which the Pirates would comeback to take a three run lead only to have the Brewers score 4 runs in the eighth to win...aarrgghhhh...) when our boys had a big inning and went ahead the energy of the loyal supporters was loud and present! I found myself still cheering and chanting "Let's Go Bucs!" even in the bottom of the ninth.....sigh...please don't call me pathetic...I like the word "fanatic."

Of all the sports, baseball is my favorite. Although I have almost come to terms with the fact that the Pirates will not be in the post season, I will watch the baseball playoffs as I do every year; it's one of my most favorite sporting events. One day, the Bucs will be in it....please let it be so....

Baseball is appealing because of the timeless quality of the game. There is no clock and the pace is a slow and easy one. Sometimes one wishes there was a clock to end the misery ---- like the 20-0 loss I sat through a couple of years ago...yes, it was those damn Brewers who pummeled us again and all I recall are fans yelling, "Come on, get Blackjack! Hit 21!"

So, even though the Buccos have to go (if we hold onto win tonight....never a sure thing anymore) 6 and 2 to acheive that winning season (I can't even believe it's in jeopardy) I confess I am still holding out hope and believing we can do it! Maybe it's what 19 years of losing does to a fan...one holds out hope until the bitter...and may this year it be a sweet...end.

By the way, if you have any candles, light them; any chickens, sacrifice them; and any spells, cast them --- whatever it takes.....

sj;