Bicklebies in the Burgh

Look how big this kid is.

My 8th Buco's game of the year, got to sit 1 row off the field (thanks to Kathleen!). As much as the Pirates stink, PNC Park never disappoints as far as the fun for the whole fam thing. True, most Pirate fans are pretty pathetic as far as their knowledge of baseball, but PNC is a gorgeous venue.

My only advice for those visiting from out of town, is to avoid at all costs any type of "Bobble Head" or "Fireworks" nights. These special events seem to bring out the yahoo yensers in droves...and there are way too many little kids. I've got zero problem with the kids at games. The problem is their parents, who are more interested in the extra curricular events. For chrissakes...quit doing the f**kin wave and PAY ATTENTION TO THE GAME!!!!!!!! You may...just may...learn something about the game. For instance...you don't "boo" when you're down 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th, and the 3B coach isn't exactly aggressive with scoring that 1st run. If you would quit paying attention to the Pierogi race for just a minute, maybe you could explain to little Johnny that you don't get the 1st run thrown out at home when THAT RUN DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING!!!! Jerks.

Ok...way too angry part of the post.

The game was a blast. Hard not to have fun with Bicks. Prior to the game, MLB batting leader Freddy Sanchez made his way to the kids (no...not us) to sign some autographs. We were so close to the field, I could've poked Freddy in the ear with a fungo.




It was all fun and games until Bicklebies got a little too rowdy at the end of the game, yelling at the little kids in our section, and throwing his empty beer bottles onto the field. It got so bad, at one point during the 7th inning stretch, the 3rd base umpire had to come over and calm him down. Security was cool, though. I told them he was from outta town and he was just getting used to the eastern standard time difference. In the 8th, Bicks was going to streak onto the field, but I convinced him not to. I was afraid that after our confrontation in the previous inning with security, that they would've figured we were in cahoots and I would've gotten kicked out, too. All was cool in the end, though. Someone from Pirate management actually came down to pay us a visit, and ended up shotgunning a couple beers with us. So it was all good.

If anyone from outta town ever has plans to see the Pirates play...let me rephrase that...see lovely PNC Park, I HIGHLY recommend staying at the Renaissance Hotel directly across the river (building directly above Santos' head, below):



Great accomodations, and a beautiful view: