2013 MLB Playoffs: Have the Pittsburgh Pirates become America’s Team?
By Matt Shetler
Sports fans everywhere, whether a die-hard fan of a particular sport or team, or simply a casual fan, all have one thing in common. They love a good underdog story.
With that in mind, there may be no better underdog story in sports recently than the 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates.
Oct 1, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates fan Mike Breen holds up a sign after the National League wild card playoff baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. The Pirates won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucs not only put an end to their two-decade-long losing ways this season, but also won a playoff game for the first time since 1992, earning them a trip to the NLDS beginning Thursday in St. Louis.
As they make their journey through what could be a lengthy postseason run, the Bucs seem to have a rabid fan base following them, not only in the city of Pittsburgh, but across the nation as well.
All in all, it begs the question: have the 2013 Pirates become “America’s Team?”
It certainly appears that way.
This Pirates team is more than that double-digit seed in the NCAA Tournament that captures the nation’s attention. This Pirates team is doing something similar, but at the same time has the talent and the opportunity to continue what they have been doing throughout the month of October.
Combine that with the nostalgia that surrounds their last winning season occurring a generation ago, the Pirates deserve a spot as “America’s Team” in the 2013 postseason.
I can’t tell you the countless amounts of texts, emails and tweets I received prior to Tuesday’s wild card game against the Reds from other writers and fans across the nation. They all had one thing in common. Everyone is suddenly pulling for the Pirates to win it all.
Outside of places like St. Louis, Detroit and the other cities with teams still in the postseason, that appears to be the case nearly everywhere.
Everyone loves an underdog. Losing for over 20 straight years will get you some new fans at this time of year.
The Pirates have the ingredients in place to make a realistic run at a championship. While they do so, they will be happy to add as many seats to the bandwagon as possible.
So hop on board I say. There’s plenty of room to become a fan of America’s new team. It’s really a cool thing to see.
As this team attempts to make their way through the postseason, it looks as if they won’t just have the support of their fan base in Pittsburgh to drive them. They will have the support of the entire nation, too.
Pirates’ fans have been waiting for this moment for over two decades now. It appears like the rest of the country has as well.