Pittsburgh Pirates: “Battling Bucs” of 2013 won’t fade

The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking like the team that the city of Pittsburgh can be truly proud of once again.

I am old enough to remember when the Pirates were an integral part of the City of Champions.  The last 20 years have not been that kind to the organization.  Of course a lot of that was self-inflicted.

Jul 3, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jeff Locke (49) looks in for a sign from the catcher against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

However the 2013 version of the Pirates resemble an exciting playoff team.

There’s an old saying that “professional baseball is 80 percent pitching” and that seems to be very evident with the Bucs this season.  They are getting quality starting pitching from all five members of the rotation.

The starters are stepping up and answering the call almost every day whether it is at home or on the road.  As for the relief pitching, the Pirates have one of the best bullpens in major league baseball.

We all know that the Pirates have had two tremendous collapses the last two years among the longest losing streak by any professional sports franchise.

But the latest version of the “Battling Bucs” seems to be a team that will not fade during the stretch run.

Since PNC Park first opened it has always been a great place to see a game.  In the past it was about the food, fireworks and giveaways.

That seems to be changing with every comeback win the Pirates provide.  If you haven’t noticed it has become extremely hard to come by tickets this year.

Hopefully we will all be looking for additional tickets come October.