Could the Pirates make the playoffs?

Over the past 19 years, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been one of the most inept franchises in all of sports.  The Pirates haven’t reached the postseason or finished above .500 since 1992.

But, over the weekend the Pirates released information on, wait for it, playoff tickets.  That’s right, the Pirates have a good enough shot at making the playoffs that MLB gave them permission to move forward in planning for the event that October baseball could actually be coming, once again, to the Steel City.

It is no sure thing that Pittsburgh will make the postseason.   Cincinnati appears to be running away with the N.L. Central, which means the Pirates would qualify only by getting one of the two wild card spots.  Currently, Pittsburgh is tied with Atlanta for those two spots, but they are only a half game ahead of the Dodgers and one and a half games ahead of St. Louis.  ESPN sets the odds on the Bucs making the postseason at 48%.

The city of Pittsburgh is not barren of sports success.  The Steelers have been one of the NFL’s best teams dating back to the 70′s and that has continued to this day with two Super Bowls in the past decade.  The Penguins are always one of the most exciting teams in hockey and won a Stanley Cup just a couple years back.  Rooting for a team that not only fails to make the playoffs, but can’t even get to .500 for nineteen straight years is draining.

The Pirates used to be one of baseball’s elite franchises.  There is a rich history for the team and the city.  Players such as Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Ralph Kiner, Bill Mazeroski and Pie Traynor spent most of their hall of fame careers playing for the Buccos.  There are five World Series trophies sitting in the Pirates trophy case.  This long drought has seemed to make many fans forget the successes of this team.  And that’s a shame.

Baseball is a great sport and is a game best served when history is running right alongside the present.  I can’t say what a Pirates postseason appearance would mean to Pittsburgh.  I come from a city (St. Louis) that is no stranger to its pro teams having success, especially in baseball.  But, I know how exciting it is to have your team playing in October.  The energy and atmosphere is completely different than for any other sporting event.  With every cool October breeze it’s like a new wave of exhilaration, anxiety and anticipation is being blown onto you.

If the Pirates make the playoffs, I will be rooting for them.  No team and no city deserves to have a drought like this (cue Chicago and Cleveland fans nodding).  But as much as I will be rooting for the fans of Pittsburgh, I will also be rooting for the return of history the Pirates bring.

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