SPORTS-(PIRATES)
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Respect my Securi-tay
April 25- For obvious reasons, it's trendy nowadays to upgrade
your company's "security precautions". Back in October, I was buying
a video game, and the clerk asked to see my ID. Why? I was paying with a credit card,
and the back was even signed. "It's new security procedures" he smuggly replied.
Preventing the enemies of democracy from purchasing NFL Madden 2002.
Rock on, ye defenders of freedom.
As mentioned in the "Commentaries" section, MLB has upgraded their security procedures, too.
I found out in Tampa that backpacks, fanny packs, duffel bags, sleeping bags, tents and
coolers were not allowed in Yankees spring training games. (Surprisingly, your wallet is ALWAYS
allowed). The New York Yankees implementing security...no big deal. Note the words
"NEW" and "YORK". Such security was nonexistent at Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland
Indians and Detroit Tigers games.
The regular season started and I attended my first Rockies game of the year- April 9th against
the Houston Astros at Coors Field. The Rockies' flagship radio station was updating the public
all day long with a list of forbidden items. I left my trusty backpack at home and
took a simple pastic bag with two baseballs and a pen. "Colorado" does not
contain the words "New" or "York", but I complied. The Colorado Rockies
only wish they were as important as the Yankees. But it's cool, because I realized that I
didn't really NEED a backpack to carry two baseballs.
"Enhanced security" featuring a couple of senior citizens in polo shirts and
straw hats is rather farcial. But again, no big deal. Since this was my first game of the year,
I arrived early to watch batting practice and maybe get a few autographs.
There was no security surrounding Wade Miller, Carlos Hernandez or
Tony Pena. Jeff Bagwell, was another story.
Bagwell walked over to one side of the dugout to sign autographs. "Security" promptly
rushed over and prohibited anybody from coming within ten rows of Bagwell. Really,
I don't see how a chisled guy in peak physical condition carrying a baseball bat
needs "security". Explain that one to me.
So How'd the Bucs Do?
Well, I'm glad you asked. Baseball's
like Disney- every year they find something new to commemorate. This year, the
Pirates' promotions office has been commemorating the 10
year anniversary of the 1992 Pirates, winners of the Eastern division
for the third straight year. It's been ten years since
the Pirates had such a decent start. However, in 2002, At 12-6, they're currently on top of
their division with cautious enthusiasm.
Suddenly, I feel OLD.. becuase it was
approximately 10 years ago that my pappy took me to Three Rivers Stadium for
my first MLB game (and first stop of my infamous "Famous Shits List"). I think it
was May 5, 1992. I remember wearing my Arapahoe High School letter jacket, with a
big "A" on it...and
a drunk Polish guy thought I was his buddy from Allegheny Community College.
The Bucs scored 11 runs in one inning that night..so maybe they'll make a special note
of that, this year?
I wrote about this game a few months later, and recently found that
story in the Bowels of ES-Land. I'm debating whether or not to re-publish it on this
website, as my
way to commemorate that night. It has a semi-serious/personal undertone to it, but it
just might explain my Pirates fascination. Let me know.
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Contact My Ass!
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