The name has been associated with baseball, football and hockey in Pittsburgh. The baseball team joined the National League in 1890. Sporting black, gold and white as their team colors, the Pirates were very competitive during the formative years and by 1909 they had won their first World Series. It would not be their last win of the title by a long shot. The next World Series title came as a result of a walk off home run that holds the distinction as the only World Series game every won by a home run. Bill Mazeroski made the play for that game. The Pirates have gone on to win the World Series in 1925, 1971 and 1979.
The Pirates also have amassed 9 National League Pennants from 1901 to 1979. They have yet to earn any Central Division titles since joining in 1994. During their membership in the East Division from 1969 to 1993, the Pirates earned 9 East Division titles as well in the years 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1979, 1990, 1991 and 1992. Affectionately referred to by nicknames such as The Buccos and The Bucs, the Pirates played their way through several decades of great ball playing, including the 1979 World Series when the adopted “We Are Family” as their slogan, with Willie “Pops” Stargell leading.
The last run of successes for the Pirates began in the 1990s and has been followed by many struggles for this one phenomenal team. To date, the Pirates have lost 17 consecutive seasons; not a noteworthy mention. Through 2007 is often referred to as the McLatchy/Littlefield times. Between 2001 and 2004, the Pirates opened a new facility. Dave Littlefield was given directives by owner Kevin McClatchy to cut the payroll and the team that resulted was a reduction in talent such as the trade of Aramis Ramirez to the Chicago Cubs.
During 2007, organizational changes in management have included hiring a new president and new general manager. Also during the time, manager Jim Tracy was fired. The changes failed to produce positive winning results and in 2008, there were more shake ups. Although a recent loss of 20-0 against the Milwaukee Brewers holds the record as the worst loss in the franchise’s history, fans still support their Pirates.
PNC Park has been the home of the Pirates since opening in March, 2001. Located at 115 Federal Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, seating capacity is small for a ballpark at 38,496 but offers excellent sites to the Kentucky bluegrass playing surface where the action takes place. Crushed lava rock covers the 18 foot warning track and seats provide a breathtaking view of the Pittsburgh skyline. With luxury suites, club seats and suite options available, a day at PNC Park includes options for great eateries to choose from and an all you can eat section located in the right field corner where fans in certain seats get all the hotdogs, nachos, salads, peanuts, ice cream, hamburgers and soda they can eat throughout the entire game.
Pittsburgh Pirates tickets are a great way to take in a fun filled day and Ticket America can get you there. PNC Park is a small but relatively new venue with state of the art equipment and gorgeous skyline views from every seat in the house.
Article from articlesbase.com
