Counting Down the Top 10 Pittsburgh Sports Moments of 2013
By Matt Shetler
2. Pirates clinch first playoff berth in two decades
Easily it’s Byrd to McCutchen to Morneau to Martin. The Pirates were suffering since I was born in 1992. When Byrd bobbled the hit, fans thought ,”Here we go again.” McCutchen’s back-up pursuit of the play was great and Morneau’s throw to save the game after a go-ahead homer by Starling Marte was even better. Martin holding the ball up showed how triumphant he and the team were. His and Jason Grilli‘s celebration were well-warranted. (Weiss)
The locker room celebration was outstanding and well worth the long wait. I know it kept me up all night glued to the television. (M. Shetler)
1. Pirates win first postseason game in 20 years
The top has to be the Bucs first playoff game. Seeing PNC Park full and vibrant was amazing. Having people talk about the Pirates and winning is always nice. (Drew Shetler)
The Pirates’ Wild Card game was everything I’d hoped it would be, and more. The way the fans responded to the playoffs at PNC Park was inspiring and probably a little surprising. We’d heard again and again that a generation of Pirates fans had died and wouldn’t be revived. That couldn’t have been further from the truth. Even better, Bucs fans from past contending teams melded with newer arrivals to form a perfect representation of the region’s rekindled baseball passion. That the team responded to the atmosphere in a positive way, winning two of three postseason home games, made it all the better. The Pirates should continue to contend for playoff spots (and hopefully pennants and championships) but 2013 will always hold a special place in Pittsburgh’s collective memory. (Gajtka)
My two colleagues summed it up great. The only thing I will add is that crowd on that night was beyond electric and to see the team that I have lived and died with my entire life produce a moment like that, it nearly brought tears to my eyes. Sadly the run did end, but this October was one I will never forget and hopefully something I won’t have to wait 20 more years to experience again. That one magical night easily earns the top spot of Pittsburgh sports moments of the year. (M. Shetler)
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