Day 4 - Milwaukee Brewers @ Pittsburgh Pirates

As I sit here in my hotel writing this column, I can hear the fireworks celebrating the 4th of July. These American’s love their country, as well as their baseball. This can be best described by the sign that I saw in left-center field “Because you love baseball and you’re an American”, clearly describing the state of the country.

I got up this morning, and hopped into a cab. After a quick scare that the tickets for the trip were lost, we were on our way to the airport. After another flight that arrived early, we drove through the hilly city of Pittsburgh and through a tunnel about ¾ of a mile long. After checking into our hotel, we took the short walk to the ballpark. I bought a Jason Bay jersey along with a Pittsburgh Pirates hat. Bay did not play this game, coincidentally. We had lunch at the Outback Steakhouse, overlooking left field.

During the game, nothing startlingly special happened until my dad got up to call home, and the Pirates were at bat. All at once, a pitch was hurled toward home, and the crowd became silent. CRACK. What a magical sound. The only voice that I could hear was that of a fan in front of me. “Gone.” He said. It was. The Pirates tied the ballgame at 3. They never looked back. Another two-run homer late put the Pirates up 5-3. Final score.

The only real commentary that I have on this park is that it is strikingly similar to U.S. Cellular Field and Comerica Park. The seating configuration is similar, the scoreboard configuration is similar, the concourse design is similar, the ramps are placed in ways that one can watch the game, and the list goes on. Perhaps it is this style of ballpark that I like, because all I have is another great review.

My only complaint about PNC park is that in between what seemed like every half inning there was some terrible game, or contest of quiz. It seemed very scripted and acted out on the part of the staff. Oh, yes, and the man that told me to ‘use my own fucking row to exit into the aisle’ in front of his kids, in which I simply told him to ‘lighten up.’

Another special moment took place when the Pirates field announcer asked all of the past or present US forces members to stand up. Many men and women young and old stood to a thundering applause. Happy 4th of July. Now, let’s go look for Osama.

At the end of the game, there was a country band of who’s name I cannot recall set to perform. At least 90% of the fans in the ballpark stayed to see this band do their thing. Me and my dad stayed for one song. I guess you have to be from America to understand the meaning of the song “Save a horse, ride a cowboy.”

When we got back, I had a lovely banana-stuffed pork chop for dinner, and a salad. I am now full. Boston, here I come. You better not rain on me tomorrow.