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End of a tradition and starting new

April 13th, 2009 Leave a comment Go to comments

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Today marks the home opener of the Pittsburgh Pirates and since 1984 I haven’t missed a single game… until now (somewhere in my basement or my mom’s attic are the ticket stubs). I’m not missing it out of some bullshit protest or hissy fit on the heels of 17 losing seasons. I’m spending the day home with Teaspoon so we can start a new tradition of watching each game together.

Opening Day 2007 was tough for me because that was the first without my dad (passed the previous december) by my side eating peanuts and chugging cokes. Last season it was obvious that change was going to be coming as Lushie and I went ourselves and could feel that something was missing. So this year I decided I’m staying home and watching it with Teaspoon and starting a new tradition of our own. I have a little Pirates outfit to put him in and we’re going to have hotdogs. OK, he’s having his milk and I’m having hotdogs.

So here’s to the Buccos and hopefully and end to the losing ways. I have faith, just like I have the last 16 home openers.

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    Categories: Pirates, Pittsburgh
    • http://mylifeasafoodie.com Phil

      I honor your new tradition. I think it will make your bond together with the Pirates that much more special for Jackson as he gets older.

      That is, unless he ends up growing to love the Yankees. Then, I don’t know what to tell you.

      Move, probably.

    • http://douglasderda.com douglas

      The only way he’ll cheer for the Yankees is if he’s drafted by them.

      So far all Pittsburgh sports teams have been champion caliber organizations. He’s to hoping this is the year!

    • Jim

      Gotta tell you, Spoon – I got a little misty reading that. It reminds me of all of the times my grandfather would take me to games. My dad was usually working, and still does to excessive amounts, but I miss those days.

    • http://douglasderda.com douglas

      I think that is a reason why so many have a hard time turning their backs on baseball. There is that father/son connection that always brings you back, even if its for one game.

      My dad was on an ESPN and Fox Sports commercial (think it was KBL then) because he went apeshit cheering in the stands at Three Rivers. I need to see if I have a copy of it. At the end he clocks me and doesnt realize it.