Raise the Jolly Roger

For those of you who aren't in the now, that's what we Pittsburgh Pirates fans say each time the Pirates win.  I say we, but the truth is, until about a week ago, I didn't really know that either because I really hadn't bothered to pay attention to the Pirates in about 20 years.
But 20 years ago, I was a big fan!  I even remember the fateful loss well...or at least the aftermath.  Atlanta's Sid Bream threw the Pirates runner out at home, thus ending the Pirates chance to go to the World Series.  It was late at night, so we didn't see it live.  When my dad's former college roommate (a Braves fan) called the next morning to rub the loss into my brother, my brother (about 10 at the time) cried.
And for the next 20 years, the Pirates continued to have losing season after losing season, oftentimes being literally the worst team in baseball.  My standard answer whenever anyone asked if I had a favorite baseball team, was "well, yeah, the Pirates, but they're so bad I don't even follow...but if they do ever get good again, I will openly jump on that bandwagon in a heartbeat."
Well, guess what?!? They're good again!  As I write this, they are minutes away from beginning a playoff game...one that could potentially (but hopefully not) end their season or could propel them into the championship series.  And you bet your bottom dollar, I will be up watching every minute of it...and I hated watching baseball just a week ago!
Sure I'm a bandwagon fan, but I'm a pretty loyal one...and in the week or so that we've been swept up in Pirates fever, I've managed to teach the boys a thing or two as well.  When we met my family to watch a game a few days ago, Colton spontaneously erupted in a "let's go Bucs!" a few times.   Both boys have been happily wearing their Pirates hats around the house.  And their favorite game right now is baseball, where they find random bases in the house and run to them together.

So basically, whenever and however the Pirates season does eventually end, I am very happy we have had this fun this season.  And hopefully, this is only the beginning of our renewed relationship with the Pirates...

Let's Go Bucs!