Wednesday, January 30, 2008

PirateFest 2008: Are You Ready For Some Baseball?!?

Well, it's that time again. We're just a few short weeks away from the start of Spring Training, which means that it's time to trudge on down to the Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh for the annual PirateFest event. I've taken my kids to this 5 out of the last 6 years, and as always, a good time was had by all.

We didn't make it to the first night of the three-day event, but we were able to attend Saturday and Sunday. If you don't know what PirateFest is, it's an opportunity for kids (of ALL ages) to play baseball-related games, meet and receive autographs from current and former Pirate players, listen in on Q & A sessions with Pirates management and players, and of course, eat and have an all around great time.


Naturally, my kids didn't know who a lot of the "old-timers" were, but they had the chance to meet Dave Parker, Bill Madlock, Al Oliver, and Richie Hebner, from the 70s and the 80s, along with Nyjer Morgan and Jack Wilson, from the current crop of Bucs.


Bill Madlock, Pirate from 1979-1985


Dick Groat, Pirate shortstop from 1952-1962


Current Pirates shortstop, Jack Wilson


Here are a few of the autographs that the kids (with Dad's help) were able to get.....













Bill Madlock, Xavier Nady, and Dick Groat











Speedy outfielder, Nyjer Morgan




















Pirates of the future?? Jonathan and his buddy Alex take a break from the festivities to pose for the Giant Eagle Kid Zone photographer.



Now, we just wait for April 7th to get here for the home opener. Play Ball!!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Well said.