Celebrating PNC Park's 10 Year Anniversary

With all of the hoopla and goings-on over the Super Bowl, Egypt, and the comeback of Beavis and Butthead a pretty big occasion is being overlooked: This is going to be the 10 year anniversary of the opening of PNC Park. Most normal franchises would be making a huge deal out of this, complete with a nice compilation of great moments from the previous 10 season that occurred in their park. The Pirates however are not a normal franchise, as most of you may have noticed. The great moments have been few and far between the previous 10 years. No perfect games, no playoff wins, not even a lousy terrorist attack (starting pitching performances by John Van Benschoten not-withstanding). Being the helpful fan that I am I’ve decided to help the Pirates choose the best moments from the first decade of PNC Park.

10. 2005 - To commemorate the 35th anniversary of Dock Ellis’ LSD no-hitter the Pirates supply starting pitcher Kip Wells with some LSD tablets of his own. Unfortunately he was unable to make his scheduled start as the sight of fellow pitcher Tom Gorzelanny while on acid caused uncontrollable screaming for 72 straight hours

9. 2008 - To prove the point that he wouldn’t be trading away the 1927 Yankees if a fire-sale was enacted, GM Neal Huntingdon schedules a spring exhibition game at PNC Park with a freshly exhumed 1927 Yankees squad. The Pirates lose 8-1

8. 2010 – Lacking anything else to commemorate, the Pirates celebrate 10th straight season of no grizzly bear attacks at PNC Park.

7. 2004 – During a double header Rob Mackowiak hits a walk-off grandslam and game tying home run on the same day his son is born. Inspired by this Ryan Vogelsong decides to give up a home run for each of his 6 children in his next start.

6. 2007 – After the failed acquisitions of Derek Bell, Raul Mondesi, Matt Lawton, and Jeromy Burnitz the Pirates try historic “No right fielder” line-up. Very little difference is noticed

5. 2006 – Freddy Sanchez wins the National League batting title. While excited for his accomplishment even he later would admit that the huge post-game ceremony, which featured a parade of elephants and a virgin sacrifice, was “a bit much”.

4. 2003 – To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first World Series, the Pirates and Red Sox play a “1903 throwback” game. Players wear the same style uniforms as players from 1903, people in the stands dress in 1903 garb, and Tike Redman & Randall Simon are denied admittance into the stadium. The last one causes much delight with fans.

3. 2002 – In a universally praised move, the Pirates announce a trade for All-Star pitcher Matt Morris in a press conference held at PNC Park. However, due to a paperwork snafu they cannot legally acquire him for another 5 years.

2. 2009 – The Pirates set the professional sports record for consecutive losing seasons. They commemorate the occasion with a banner that says “Look out Prairie View A&M, you’re next”

1. 2001 – Willie Stargell, easily the most beloved living Pirate alum, dies the day of PNC Park’s opening. This is the top moment because it perfectly defines the Pirates.