WASHINGTON, D.C.—Big patches of black and gold were sprinkled throughout a sea of red and grey, as Pittsburgh Pirates’ fans showed their true colors in the nation’s capital, while helping spur the young Battling Buccos on to a thrilling 4-2 victory over the Washington Nationals, July 24.
The atmosphere at Nationals Park on this recent evening was that of Pirates Pennant fever, as throngs of Pittsburgh fans invaded South Capitol Street as the second-place Buccos held on to nip the Nats. Pitcher Francisco Lariano failed to disappoint, as he notched his 10th victory in a pitcher’s dual with young phenom Stephen Strasburg.
It’s estimated that nearly half of the more than 38,000 folks in attendance were Pittsburgh fans.
When Lariano was relieved in the 7th inning after a stellar performance —while keeping Nats batters hitless through six innings—the Pittsburgh faithfuls gave the pitcher a rousing standing ovation. Two years ago, Lariano pitched a no-hitter with the Minnesota Twins. The festive, warm-evening contest, provided an ambiance as if Pittsburgh was the home team—not the Nationals.
Although the Bucs would lose the final game of the four-game series with the Nats, they entered the final weekend of July with a 60-40 record—a whopping 20 games over .500.
Pennant fever is not only back in Pittsburgh, it’s spreading throughout the nation. A colleague of mine recently visited Indianapolis on business. He was pleasantly surprised by the joyous response he received from several restaurant customers and employees as he proudly wore his Pirates cap.
“Here we go Pirates, Here we go!”
JOSH GIBSON STATUE (Photos by Timothy Cox)
EDITOR’S NOTE:
*One of three statues outside Nationals Park in downtown, D.C., is that of Pittsburgh Negro League legend, Josh Gibson. The statue notes that “Joshua” Gibson played for the Washington-Homestead Grays in the early 1940s. Apparently, the Grays played in both Pittsburgh and D.C. during the final years of Negro League existence, prior to Jackie Robinson’s Major Leagues integration. A little-known fact, indeed! Pitcher Walter Johnson and the powerful Frank Howard are the other two former Washington Senators on statues row.
*Though several fans wore T-shirts with the names of current Pirates stars Andrew McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez, it was quite noticeable that throwback jerseys and hats were also worn in tribute to Roberto Clemente, Willie “Pops” Stargell and the legendary World Series champs of 1971 and 1979. Pirates Pride is back. First time since the Barry Bonds-Bobby Bonilla days of the early 1990s. I also noticed a young lady wearing an Andy Van Slyke jersey.
*While many younger fans are not as familiar with the 1960 World Series Champs, older fans will never forget the 7th game, 9th-inning heroic homer by Bill Mazeroski at Forbes Field. As we said then, we still say “Beat ‘em Bucs”!
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