In the aftermath of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ first playoff win since 1992 (6-2 over Cincinnati), comments of pride and joy have filled my Facebook feed. I already know that some of my friends supported the Bucs. Tonight I discovered many new fans. Long-term fans, or hidden fans, or fans of baseball captured for a moment by a team ending a 20-year streak of losing seasons and making the playoffs at the same time.
One friend posted a video clip of Roberto Clemente, the Pirates’ great right fielder from 1955 until his untimely death in 1972. A great human being, Clemente died on a humanitarian mission to aid the people of Nicaragua.
Another friend posed a question in response: “You saw Clemente play?”
To which I respond, “I did.”
At Forbes Field and at Three Rivers Stadium, I had the privilege to see Clemente play with skill and grace and passion that few brought to the game.
I saw Clemente. And it was wonderful!
See you along the Trail.
Along the Graybeard Trail 
I did, too. My husband is from the Pittsburgh area and we ALWAYS went to see the Pirates when we visited his parents. I remember sitting in the first deck in down the right field line in the old Forbes Field. There’s joy and excitement in our household today!
Forbes Field was quite the place. Great atmosphere. PNC Field is pretty awesome too. I join in your joy and excitement!