I just wanted to pop in and explain my absence of late and let everyone know I am still lurking about. It is hard to beleive I haven't posted anything since my grandfather's passing, but I have been reading daily and keeping tabs on the neighborhood.
I know there is so much to talk about with the Final Four; the end of spring training and start of the MLB season; the fast aproaching NBA playoffs; and the NFL draft and mini camps coming up. All the things I would normally be all over. Well - rest assured that all of those things and many more are on the tip of my consiousness even though I have been unable to write about them here. I was off to such a great start in 2007 with The Weekly Truth as well as plans for numerous other posts and a few new series from the "Truth Zone". My writing has been derailed however, and I needed to get over here to say hi and give a reason for my hiatus lest I be soon forgotten. My reason for not posting is a combination of two variables.
1. Reflection - Most of you know that my cherished grandfather passed away and so many of you have been tremendously kind in lending your support here on this blog and through emails. I can't tell you how wonderful your culmative gestures of compassion have been. What most of you don't know though is that in addition to my grandfather, I also found out about the death of one of my dearest freinds who was lost at the way too young age of 45 due to kidney failure. He was a great person, freind, and sports fanatic. I have spent countless hours of personal soul searching dealing with many of life's heaviest questions of late, and am gathering thoughts on many subjects that I will certainly turn into prose sooner or later, much of it to be shared here. Life is precious and between those that I have lost and those that give my life unending joy like my wife and children; every aspect of the human experience is worth embracing and experiencing together.
2. Tech Trauma - While the moments of pensive contemplation because of the reasons above have given pause to my posting, the real culprit that has kept me from both writing posts and comments is my current technical situation. Upon returning from the time I was away at my grandfather's services - I discovered that the IT communists at work had revamped our network and added security blocks that are now preventing me from posting and commenting. I can't even view my outside yahoo email which alerts me to an added comment. Responding to comments is one of the primary reasons I so enjoy this blog site, so that alone has brought my correspondence to a screeching halt. The timing couldn't have been worse either because we currently have my basement tore apart for remodling at home including what was once my home office, so I can't post from home either. I am currently typing this from my freind's office. While highly aggitating, I hope these issues will soon be rectified and I will once again be back on track.
I know many fine folks have left our community over the last year or so for many various reason, but I didn't want you all to think I was one of them. I still read every day and love how new bloggers like Lisa and steelersfan have carved out their places in the neighborhood. There is alot of good stuff still going on here. I have also followed Demonicume's efforts to start up his web site with many of our favorite bloggers and wish them all the best. And of course the vets like Dudski, Shooter, and Mean continue to provide excellence in every submission.
Once again I appreciate the kind words on my previous post and especially am thankful for ricko, James (MeanDovine), and Tracy (Belle) for checking up on me. All the best and hope to be back sooner than later. There's alot of Truth building up in my bones, and I can't wait to lay it all down...
email me at eg21c4@yahoo. I might be delayed in responding but I will holla back! Cheers!
It’s true that while the Colts potent offense vs. the Bears stingy defense is the match-up everyone is excited about; it will be the opposite variable (Bears offense vs. Colts defense) that decides the Super Bowl.
It’s true that Mondesi’s House is the best web blog going for all things Pittsburgh, and now the Burger is now linked to them! Check it out.
It’s true that people are getting way ahead of themselves with the speculation about where Roger Clemens will sign; we all know he has no intention of playing the first month or two of the season, much less spring training.
(ok edclinch, this one’s for you) It’s true that,despite the presence of the characters of the past, dominance like Roger Federer’s deserves making tennis a sport worthy of our attention once again.
It’s true that with all of the talk and attention being lavished on the young stars of the NHL; it was the wily veterans who shined in this year’s All-Star game.
It’s true that regardless of how many events precede it, the golf season officially gets under way at the moment of Tiger’s debut.
It’s true that considering the numbers he delivers both on the field and in the stands; there can’t possibly be a major leaguer with more contract leverage than Ichiro Suzuki.
It’s true that Michigan State’s Drew Staton got the best of Pitt’s Tyler Palko during their game this season, and he continues to better him in the race for third QB drafted during this weeks Senior Bowl practices.
It’s true that,I may be missing something, but if Jeremy Bloom had to battle the commies at the NCAA over his amateur status because he had endorsements as a member of the U.S. Ski Team; then how is it that Jeff Samardzija was allowed to compete on Notre Dame’s football team while being a signed minor leaguer for the Cubs?
It’s true that after seeing the tight new Nike commercial featuring the company’s marquee NBA ballers; I am convince that the best basketball played anywhere in the world this year occurred in that hanger during the pick-up games filmed for the shoot.
It’s true that speaking of that commercial – it occurred to me that a better All-Star game than East vs. West would be Nike vs. Addidas with an And1 dunk contest at the half.
It’s true that it’s hard to believe we’ve reached the day where the destination of Jeff Weaver is the big free agent signing news.
It’s true that Gilbert Arenas needs to realize that in a year when his star is shining so brightly on the court, his continued vendetta against his perceived snub by team USA coaches is making him look bad off the court.
It’s true that there may not have been a more uncomfortable moment in sports interview history than Dale Earnhardt, Jr. being forced to defend his step-mother during NASCAR media day after Kevin Harvick called her a “dead-beat” owner. (4 for 4 Sidd).
It’s true that with Jimmy Rollins, MVP Ryan Howard, and now Chase Utley all under contract through the rest of this decade; the Phillies have as solid a young nucleus as any team in baseball.
It’s true that just when I promise my buddy Nooch a shout out to the top ten Oregon Ducks basketball team – they go and lose to Washington!
It’s true that we’ve seen these extended winning streaks from the likes of run and gun teams such as Phoenix and Dallas before; but the real test of their supposed invincibility will come in stopping teams in the playoffs.
It’s true that five year deal notwithstanding; Lane Kiffin has to know that the eccentric Al Davis will drop him in a heart beat next year if he can land Cowher, Parcells, or Fisher.
It’s true that it’s hard to believe that Steve Nash may win his third NBA MVP this season but won’t start in the All-Star game.
It’s true that the media continues its own self-indictment as a pariah of humanity by continually forcing our attention, not on the achievement of these men – but on their race.
It’s true that these statements are my opinions; that they will garner reactions from those who concur and disagree; and that the free exchange of thoughts and ideas and the expression of feelings are the greatest contributions of language.
It’s true that more truth will be revealed here weekly.
For now, be blessed……it’s true that God loves you.
Like these? Try previous truths found on my archives page.
It’s true that best record in the East notwithstanding; the Cavs dropping consecutive road games to two of the West’s bottom dwellers isn’t exactly inducing fear from the top teams in the conference.
It’s true that the more I hear and see of Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin the more convinced I am that he is going to make a fine head coach.
But, …
It’s true that I still maintain that for the smoothest transition, now that Ken Whisenhunt has gone to the Cards, Russ Grimm should be named the coach of the Steelers.
It’s true that, aside from last years All-Star Game; there hasn’t been this much buzz around Pittsburgh concerning the Pirates since Pops Stargell passed away. Welcome to the ‘burgh Adam LaRoche! Welcome back hope, Buc fans!
It’s true that there could be no sweeter moment of justice than for Adam Vinatieri to kick the game winning field goal against the team that turned their back on him.
It’s true that it’s all good that Phil dropped his pouch and got lean and mean during the off season; but it will take him proving his mental resolve with a head up win over Mr. Woods in a Major before the ghosts of Winged Foot are officially eradicated.
It’s true that it should surprise no one that Barry Bonds is endorsing entry into the Hall Of Fame for Pete Rose and Mark McGwire.
It’s true that few things will cause a quicker turnabout of emotions than going from the glee of hearing that a prognosticator has picked your team to win its division – to the despair of finding out the pick came from Dayn Perry.
It’s true that I just can’t seem to piece together the words “NASCAR” and “Toyota” in my mind yet. (That’s three in a row Sidd!)
It’s true that Stephen Jackson will find a way to fit into the Bay area’s club scene quicker than he fits into Don Nelson’s team scheme.
It’s true that Larry Bird is making the Pacers the whitest team in the L much quicker than he’s making them the brightest team in the L.
It’s true that Michael Vick’s explanation of the secret compartment in his water bottle is one of the most anticipated things I’ve ever awaited hearing from an athlete.
It’s true that Shooter just traded Miracle, Bengals, Mustard, and The_Dan away from the Las Cruces Leezards for a signed poster of Jennie Finch and a half finished bottle of Cabo Wabo – then lost them both in the World Series of Dominoes.
It’s true that even if this is one of the dullest sports periods on the calendar – I still can’t get excited about watching tennis.
It’s true that Marty Schottenheimer’s return to the Bolts may be less an endorsement of the teams confidence in him as it is their confidence there will be better replacements on the horizon in 2008.
It’s true that if Sammy Sosa really makes it on the big league roster with the Rangers – the over under on homers to drug tests has to become one of Vegas’ top books.
It’s true that you always felt like C-Webb would find a way to his home town Pistons at some point in his career; but if his debut is any indication, there isn’t enough left in the tank for it to matter.
It’s true that Dave Wannstedt has Pitt on the verge of revival with the schools best recruiting class (ranked top 8 nationally) in several decades.
It’s true that proof once again that the average Schmo is out of luck when it comes to sports and entertainment – UFC 68 is in Columbus (only an hour from me) and no tickets are available for less than $300.
It’s true that if this Fujikawa kid gets attention enough to stop people from talking about Michelle Wie on the men’s tour – then he has instantly become my new favorite player.
It’s true that these statements are my opinions; that they will garner reactions from those who concur and disagree; and that the free exchange of thoughts and ideas and the expression of feelings are the greatest contributions of language.
It’s true that more truth will be revealed here weekly.
For now, be blessed……it’s true that God loves you.
Like these? Try previous truths found on my archives page.
It’s true that Florida may not be a better team than half the top ten; but they deserve to be in the title game as the current system is configured.
It’s true that the above statement is undeniable proof for the need of a playoff.
It’s true that Michigan may be the second best team in the country; but a team that does not win its conference does not belong in the title game under any circumstances.
It’s true that both Allen Iverson and the fans of Philadelphia deserve a better ending to their roller coaster relationship than the divorce that a pending trade will bring.
It’s true that setting a team record (223 yds) against the Browns is great; but Willie Parker needs a strong performance on the road in Carolina to take his place on the ladder of AFC backs below LT and LJ.
It’s true that JD Drew in Boston’s lineup could be a very dangerous scenario; however, JD Drew in Boston’s lineup minus Manny Ramirez would be a very disastrous scenario.
It’s true that now that they’vewon the ball battle, it may not be long before NBA players file suit for having to wear suits. “The sweaters, neck ties, and turtle necks are causing an inordinate amount of scratches and unsightly rashes to our athletes.” – BillyHunter, NBA Players Association.
It’s true that Jimmie Johnson falling off the top o####olf cart (haven’t we all done that?) is no where near as scandalous or ridiculous as Jeff Kent lying about injuring himself while falling off the truck he was washing.
It’s true that I continue to be baffled by the college football awards: If Troy Smith is the Heisman winner as the nation’s best player, and the O’Brien winner (best quarterback), how does Brady Quinn, who finished third in the Heisman, win the Maxwell as the best all around player? And if Paul Posluszny is the Bednarik winner for the best defensive player (for the second year in a row) doesn’t that mean he’s the best at his position? Yet he didn’t win the Butkus. What gives? Are these awards on the BCS system also?
It’s true that Steve Nash won’t win his third MVP this season in a year when he may be playing the best basketball of his career.
It’s true that the depth of PAC-10 hoops this year could calm all the criticism of it being a soft football conference. But not as much as…
It’s true that a convincingvictory byUSC over Michigan in the Rose Bowl would.
It’s true that while the trade for Josh Barfield and the signing of three relievers is certainly a step in the right direction; GM Mark Shapiro still has much to do this off season if he expects the Indians to keep up in the AL Central.
It’s true that the 49ers are closer than people have realized to jumping back up among the NFL elite.
It’s true that Rookie Daniel Gibson may just prove to be the point guard that’s been missing from LeBron’s championship team puzzle, but…
It’s true that the Cavs still may have to wait until they add another consistent outside shooter to the mix before popping the corks.
It’s true that I have been a perennial critic of Kobe Bryant, with due cause and factual reasons; but I will be big enough to admit I like what I see from him so far this year in the only area of his repertoire that was flawed: being a good teammate.
It’s true that the above statement notwithstanding; he is still just a 40 attempt showboat game away from reverting back to previous Kobe form.
It’s true that media driven PCness has gotten out of hand when a football player can’t call out a punk player who resorts to cheap shots for being soft when the verbiage he chose was milder than anything heard between the chalk lines on any given Sunday without drawing a reactionary fine, while DUI’s, gun charges, and steroids go by with slaps on the wrist.
It’s true that I seem to recall a similar buzz years ago about two young studs on the ice in Pittsburgh.
It’s true that these statements are my opinions; that they will garner reactions from those who concur and disagree; and that the free exchange of thoughts and ideas and the expression of feelings are the greatest contributions of language.
It’s true that more truth will be revealed here weekly.
For now, be blessed……it’s true that God loves you.
Like these? Try previous truths found on my archives page.
NOTE: The quote attributed to Billy Hunter above is a total fabrication...much like his position.
While I always keep a watchful eye out for off-season activity regarding the Pirates and Indians, my peak interest in baseball is usually months away at this stage of any given year. However, with my Steelers in flux and given the fact that I am still familiarizing myself with the Penguins’ roster; a little bit of baseball news was not at all unwelcome on this fine fall afternoon. So when I learned of the Tribe’s acquisition of Padres second baseman Josh Barfield it put a little pep in my step for one of the few times since football began.
The Indians traded their minor league Player of the Year Ken Kouzmanoff and pitcher Andrew Brown to San Diego in exchange for the 23 year old second baseman. Barfield (son of former big leaguer and AL home run champ Jesse Barfield) had a legitimate Rookie of the Year caliber season for the Friars and immediately fills the Indians most pressing need among position players. He comes off a fine first year campaign in which he batted .280 with 13 HRs, 32 doubles and 58 RBIs to go with 21 stolen bases. He also scored 72 runs. His .987 fielding percentage will add much needed defensive stability up the middle for Cleveland and his speed will add long sought versatility to the lineup.
The main reason I am so excited about this deal though is it shows that Indians GM Mark Shapiro is already aggressively undertaking the task of righting the ship he helped pilot to a near miss two seasons ago; but that drifted into murky waters this past year under his watch. He garnered much criticism (from this writer included) for not doing more to help push the promising young club over the hump after it came so close to upending eventual World Series champion Chicago in ’05. Shapiro obviously is determined to get things back on course, and while this one deal far from addresses all of the teams’ issues (bullpen, right handed power), it goes a long way toward showing the fans and the rest of the league that Shapiro is set on bringing a winner to Cleveland. He has much work to do, but he is on the job in earlier and more pressing fashion than a year ago.
Only four months until pitchers and catchers report!!!
Photo from Indians.com Stats from Indians.com & ESPN.com
I know, I know...where in the world has The Truth been? I have been absent for a bit - family stuff, work constraints, and the standard mental block - but I have heard your pleas and the Truth now resurfaces in full force. Thanks for your patience and I hope it was worth the wait. As always I can't wait to hear your spin on the Truth.
This is Nothin’ but the Truth!
The truth this week is:
It’s true that Tiger’s only remaining foes are time and history.
It’s true that Chris Mullin’s choice to bring the dated and spent Don Nelsonback to the Warriors proves he was a much better shot maker than decision maker.
It’s true that with the Sox 7.5 out in the east and 6.5 out in the wild card, and their lineup looking like a Pawtucket scrimmage card while their DL looks like an All-Star team; the tents have been officially folded and packed away in Boston.
It’s true that Andre Agassi’s exit from tennis coincides with the exit of my interest in tennis.
It’s true that every once in a while you need the Little League World Series to come along and place sports back in its proper perspective amidst hold-outs, steroids, and dug-out fights between managers and players.
It’s true that Willie Roaf’s absence may greatly hamper the 2,000 yard aspirations of Larry Johnson – as well as the championship hopes of thousands of Fantasy owners.
It’s true that Evander Holyfield knocking people out at 43 and Mike Tyson becoming a Vegas side-show at 40 emulates perfectly the state of boxing’s heavyweight division.
It’s true that getting excited about the NL wild card race with so many of the teams in the hunt hovering at .500 or below is a bit difficult with so many good teams in the AL.
It’s true that I really don’t know if Lance and Floyd cheated or not; but as for me – I would HAVE to be on some serious dope to pedal through the hills of France on a ten-speed in yellow spandex.
It’s true that drawing the ninth pick in last nights Fox-bloggers Fantasy Football draft was the equivalent of the fat kid watching the last scoop of ice cream being given out to his friends while he stood next in line……….but I’m still going to win!!!
It’s true that Team USA’s pending World Championship stands to cause many a media “expert” to choke on a little crow; or on the other hand…
It’s true that …Team USA’s failure to make it out of the FIBA final four will trigger an avalanche of “I told you so!” sessions from the talking heads the likes of which have rarely been witnessed.
It’s true that watching Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner continue their outstanding seasons for the Indians is a bittersweet mix of satisfaction in seeing young stars emerge and depression over what might have been in this lost season for the Tribe.
It’s true that my not realizing the WNBA Finals were even underway – or who was in them – until I read the news this morning tells just where that league stands on my sports landscape.
It’s true that Tiger and Phil changing plans to fly to the K Club for a practice session with their Ryder Cup teammates testifies to their dedication as team leaders and their desire to bring home the cup. However…
It’s true that ...the performance of the four rookies and two questionable captains picks will still determine the Ryder Cup outcome regardless of the ‘Big Two’s commitment.
It’s true that thebest thing about today is we are a day away from college football’s opening weekend!
It’s true that the second best thing about today is it is only one week until the Steelers start the quest for their repeat, even if…
It’s true that Marvin Lewis, Peyton Manning, and Tom “Tuck Rule” Brady had to make a ton of phone calls to pull off the SI-EA double jinx on the champs…
It’s true that the up and down joys and sorrows of sports fans are measured and orated by a thousand thoughts and descriptions every day; but nothing in life hits every rung of the emotional ladder like walking your first born into her first day of Kindergarten.
It’s true that these statements are my opinions; that they will garner reactions from those who concur and disagree; and that the free exchange of thoughts and ideas and the expression of feelings are the greatest contributions of language.
It’s true that more truth will be revealed here weekly.
For now, be blessed……it’s true that God loves you.
A Very Special Thanks to Siddhartha for the Great Graphic at the top of the page. Check out more of the BEST graphics on FoxBlogs at Sidd's blog "Lust For Life".
Like these? Try previous truths found on my archives page.
Last week I shared with you the story of my brother in law and nephew receiving a surprise blessing from a kind stranger at GreatAmericanBallPark in Cincinnati. While waiting in line for tickets a gentleman gave them extras that he had, and they ended up in clubs seats for free. I then asked fellow bloggers to share similar tales. I appreciate the response and we certainly did hear some wonderful stories, both of receiving and of giving.
That prompted many memories of some of the best moments I’ve had at sporting events so I put together a little mini series of the most memorable experiences. This is the final piece of the series.
During the summers of 1985-1989 my cousins and I would beat the occasional bouts of summer boredom by taking in a baseball game at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. They lived in the town of New Eagle, south of the city along the Monongahela (they went to the same H.S. as Joe Montana) and three or four of us would jump in my Grand Prix and run up to the ‘burgh. We learned a profitable trick early on in these ventures; which saved us a bunch of cash. We would wait until about half way through the second inning, after most everyone had made their way in, then we would seek out the same old fella at the ticket booth who would let us in for just a couple of bucks (attendance at the huge venue wasn’t exactly at capacity back then). Can you imagine such a thing these days? Where ever the old boy is now, I hope he knows he gave a bunch of young knuckleheads some wonderful times of enjoyment back in those days.
We were witness to some great young ball players coming into their own. This was just prior to the outstanding squads of the tremendous three year run from 1990-1992 that unbelievably saw them come up just shy of the World Series. But these years saw players like Bonds, Bonillia, Van Slyke, Drabek, and one of my personal all time favorites, “Spanky” Lavalliere, lay the ground work for those division titles that followed.
Fast forward 13 years to 2002 and, while I am still a knucklehead, I am now married with a young daughter and another on the way. Though unbeknownst to me things were about to change – I had not been back to the ‘burgh for a Pirates game since those carefree days of old, and the team was far removed from a run at any title (save leagues worse record) and from the cold monotony of Three Rivers Stadium.
On February 11, 2001, Three Rivers fell to the demolition man’s hand to make way for Heinz Field (home of the Steelers and Pitt Panthers) and PNC Park – exclusive home of the Pirates. PNC opened to rave reviews that spring, and the praise (for the park if not its tenants) has been ongoing through this season’s All Star game. The staffers at ESPN (will that get bleeped out here?) voted it the best park in the Majors on their ballpark tour.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Pirates have been part of the fabric on which my family’s tapestry of heritage has been woven for generations. My parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents loved their Pirates and as a youngster I was enthralled with the stories of their exploits more so than anything else in my young life sports wise. Remember; the glory days of my beloved Steelers began a relatively short time ago in comparison to the century old history of the Pirates. I loved hearing about the old timers (my aunt has photos of a field trip her first grade class took to Forbes for a game), but mostly my two grandfathers told affectionate tales of three heroes: Bill Mazeroski, Roberto Clemente, and Willie “Pops” Stargell. One of my first cognizant recollections is of gleeful screaming and shouting at my house when I was just over two years old. Turns out a certain ball team had just won the ’71 World Series.
I was just the right age to revel in the “We Are Family” celebration of ’79, and I thought Bill Madlock, Dave Parker, and Omar Moreno were larger than life, and that surely Chuck Tanner was a genius. Perhaps my fondest memory of my grandfather was watching the deciding game against the O’s with him complete in my gold and black uniform pajamas with, of course, my gold batting helmet on. I’ll never lose the etching on my mind and spirit of his ear to ear grin. He would pass on just four months later.
My remaining ‘Pap’, whom I have previously written about, never misses a Bucs game on TV, win or lose, and can describe in perfect detail games played by Maz, Pops, and Clemente even today at nearly 90. I can’t tell you how devastating those near misses of the early nineties were for everyone in my family, and I began to wonder if I would ever see the Bucs return to those glory days, and if I would ever again get to see a Pirates game.
Sometime during the summer of 2002 I was chatting over the phone with my friend Todd, who lives in PA, about how he liked PNC after his recent visit to the infant stadium. He gave the park stellar grades in every aspect and questioned why I hadn’t been there yet. It was a good question that I really didn’t have a legitimate answer for, other than the justification of a three hour drive to watch a sub .500 ball club. It wasn’t about the team, he assured me, the place is what I had to see. As for tickets, he also had that covered. Through a friend of a friend, he sent me four tickets in the mail a few weeks later and I was all set to see a game back in the ‘burgh that September.
As the date for our game approached I became more and more excited at the thought of just being back in Pittsburgh enjoying a game with my own family. We decided the fourth ticket would go to my wife’s father, a lifelong Pirates fan who had never been to a game. After moving from Ford City, PA to Ohio with the Pittsburgh Plate Glass company in the early 1960’s, he had to cheer from afar for his favorite PA sports teams.
The day finally arrived for us to make the journey to the ‘burgh, and the three hours seemed to be but a moment till we purged down the Parkway and entered the Fort Pitt tunnel. I know that I am biased toward Pittsburgh, but I have been to most of this country’s major cities, and to me there isn’t a more spectacular entrance into a city than coming out of the Fort Pitt tunnel and having the skyline unexpectedly open up before you. The first thing you encounter as you look to your left is Heinz Field (where Three Rivers used to sit), and then you notice PNC further back as you navigate the bridge. It is impossible to describe how dramatic this entrance is, but even folks here in Ohio who have been there, yet have no connection with Pittsburgh attest to its grandeur.
We arrived early to take an ample assessment of the place, and as we pulled nearer the emphasis on placing a modern marvel in the skin of a historic icon was well evident and masterfully done. This park had the feel of a classic, and the seamless manner in which it meshed with its downtown surroundings would have made one swear the city rose up around it rather than the other way around – as though it were the first thing there before the skyscrapers and office buildings.
We quickly parked and made our way around the perimeter to take in the statuary commemorating Ralph Kiner, Pops, and the great Clemente. After seeing the patrons stroll across the Allegheny via the Clemente Bridge, we wished we had parked on that side to enjoy that feature.
Once inside we checked out the amenities including Pops Food Court – what else would they call it? They have an Outback Steakhouse overlooking left field, and of course, the iconic Primanti Bros Sandwich was the featured delicacy of the house. For those who may not know, a Primanti Brothers sandwich is a Pittsburgh treasure. A choice of meats and trimmings, topped with slaw and French Fries all on the same mega sized bread. Totally unbelievable, and something that must be seen and experienced to fully appreciate.
Now that may sound gross to some, but there is a story behind the origin of this cholesterol creation. Back in the 1930’s, the Primantis decided to open a place to feed the shift workers in the Strip District on their lunches in the middle of the night, but the workers only had time to get there from the job sites, order, then turn around and run back to work before their time was up. So everything got piled together out of convenience and necessity and before they knew it, the bizarre practice caught on and it now has a cult following.
As I said, the tickets were mailed to us and we never really gave a second thought to where we might be sitting. The first thought I had when looking down to the field from the main level was how intimate the stadium felt in regard to the playing field. It was though you were about to walk onto the grass with your first step. We had no idea where our seats were located and approached the first usher we saw for assistance. He pointed us to some other attendants on the same main level, but directly behind home plate. We went to these folks; showed them our tickets; and began looking for the nearest escalator, as we expected or seats to be on an upper level. You can imagine our surprise when we glanced back to see a gentleman in a blazer waving us toward him. Not so strange, except that he was walking down…toward the field…directly behind the home dugout!
We were led to a front row of seats in the first section, and when I say first section – I mean the first section behind the Pirates dugout, just to the left of home plate, so that looking down you saw the on-deck circle not fifteen feet away. I whispered to the man as I slyly showed him our tickets once again “Are you sure this is right?” He assured me that these were indeed our seats, and after wiping them off for affect he escorted my wife to hers and made certain we were comfortable and had all we needed. All that was missing was the pillows and headphones, though I still had the strange feeling that the mayor or owner would be having us removed from their seats at any moment. This was too good to be true! You could actually hear the conversations in the home dugout. And talk about a breathtaking view of the city skyline as evening fell. Spectacular!
We had a marvelous time. Even my two year old, who we worried would be a bit antsy, seemed relaxed and caught up in the atmosphere as she shuffled between Mom, Dad, and Grandpa’s laps between bopping to the organ music. She began playing peek-a-boo with a group of WVU coeds up from Morgantown and so captured their hearts that they made it their mission to get her a ball from Pirates first baseman Kevin Young. In fairness to him, he looked my way as though he were going to toss one up, but seemed unsure about either her ability to catch it being so young or mine to do so with her on my lap.
However, Pirates bench coach Tommy Sandt heard our new friends’ pleadings and gently handed up the ball just used for a round of infield and everyone was delighted. That is until she determined that her part in this new game was to throw it back. Luckily it didn’t make it past the rail and after the beer guy scrambled to retrieve it – it was safely secured in momma’s purse. To this day it remains the only non-pink, non-princess item she keeps in her room.
The game itself was fantastic. One thing about the Bucs was they always fought hard in every game. This contest against the Cubs was proof of that as they took an early lead only to see it erased on, among other tings, a majestic blast to center field by Sammy Sosa (seeing Sosa crush a homer while he was still relevant was a big thrill at the time). But the home team fought back and won it in their final at bat off a laser by Brian Giles. The fireworks erupting over the river capped off an incredible trip to a place brand new, but yet so familiar.
It was a special night, especially for my wife who had the emotional treat of having a three generation memory to lock away both in her mind and her photo album. As we walked to the gate, my little girl trimmed in black and gold in between momma in her Pirates jersey and grandpa in his Clemente throwback; I couldn’t help thinking about my father and grandparents and cousins and how lucky I was to experience a tradition like Pittsburgh sports and to have a moment to savor like this night beneath the stars along the Allegheny.
I know I’ve said this before, but thanks again Todd, and thanks to all my friends here who shared their own tales and permitted me to share mine. I know most events, especially the big ones like All Star games and championship contests, have been priced out of reach for most folks, and I will be writing about that soon. But whether you have courtside seats or Uecker seats, the greatest experiences are those shared with family and friends. Make a determination to make more memories this year – take your family to a game!
Technical difficulties has this posting a day late. Sorry to all those who have been on the edge of your seats.
There are for most folks typically two places that they consider ‘home’: the house they grew up in (or parents’ current home) and the residence where they currently live. No other places on earth have the same warm embrace as your house and mama’s house. There are, however, certain places that can provide you with that homey feel,at least temporarily anyway. Homes away from home. It might be a relative’s house; a friend’s apartment; or maybe the frat house or dorm room. The kind of haven where you feel like you can get comfy, kick off your shoes, sit a spell and kick it with your boys (or girls…or both). The places where life happens!
The sports world has its equivalents of such sanctuaries as well. Be it the historic stadium where your dad took you to your first game, then you did likewise with your son; or the sparkling new arena of your new city’s team where you’ve carved out your own little niche – a day at the park/stadium/arena with family or friends has few rivals along the human sojourn. For me that place sits on the corners of Ontario and 9th, along the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio: Jacobs Field.
Now, before I go any further, allow me to clarify a few things lest there be any confusion among my throngs of adoring fans (…ok…both of you) about just where the burger’s loyalties reside. Most of you probably know by now that, though I live in central Ohio, I am the preeminent Pittsburgh sports backer and blogger in this here universe! So how could I be preparing to, in good conscience, reveal my affections for anything in Cleveland? Let me offer this explanation.
It is true that, as my avatar would suggest and a quick scan of my bio divulges, I am a supporter of Pittsburgh sports. My family heritage has western Pennsylvania roots and paramount to that lineage is a devotion to the Steelers, Pirates, and Pens. It is who we are. Those teams, good or bad, are our family. Geography has no impact on that. Like many other industrial cities of yesteryear, Pittsburgh’s transplants span the country. That’s why any Steelers road game takes on the appearance of Heinz field and why whiney teams are resorting to feeble attempts to black out Steelers fans from their stadiums (no such issues with Pirates and Pens road games as of late, but you get my point). I have lived in Ohio, Oregon, PA, West Virginia, Virginia, and now back in Ohio again, and have never lost my love for the ‘burgh. For those of you wondering – no, I’m not part gypsy. Most of the moves were a result of transfers with my father’s job with the airlines he worked for. I ended up working for the airlines myself, but my father passed away, and my wife and I wanted to be nearer to large concentrations of our families (all ‘burgher backers themselves) so that has brought us back to Ohio. Still with me?
Despite my vagabond ways football season has never been a cause for any internal confusion with me. I bleed Black & Gold, and despise the Bunguls and Clowns. Pittsburgh has no NBA team so rooting for the Cavs never seemed controversial. Baseball on the other hand had me somewhat perplexed even as a youth. I was bred to love the Pirates and did so thoroughly (more on them in the next segment of this series), but I always had a soft spot for the Tribe. My first eight years of life were spent in the Cleveland suburbs, and baseball was the game most often played by my pals and I. They all had the Indians caps and shirts so I became naturally curious about the team, and wound up becoming a huge Rick Manning fan growing up, he being the only major leaguer I have ever gotten an autograph from in person.
When we moved back to Ohio nine years ago my following of the Tribe was renewed again in earnest. After all, the Pirates were in the National League and the chance of both of them reaching the World Series against each other would certainly usher in the arrival of the Apocalypse, so my loyalties were not truly at odds.
Jacobs Field opened in 1994 and immediately became the jewel in the MLB crown of modern stadiums. Camden Yards in Baltimore paved the way as the model down town ballpark that created urban renewal, opportunity and pride in previously desolate areas of large metros. The Jake and its connected neighbor, Gund Arena (now Quicken Loans Arena), did the same for Cleveland. After decades of discontent at the cavernous Municipal Stadium, the Jake provided a home for a team and a city that both could boast of as the very best around. The Flats and the restaurants and pubs around the stadium began to thrive and going to a Tribe game becam
