- Phil Collins, In the Air Tonight
Just like the song says, I have a feeling in the pit of my stomach. Maybe it's being pessimistic, maybe it's a premonition; either way it cannot turn out well. The Pittsburgh Pirates, the fairytale story of the 2012 MLB season, is about to not only turn into a pumpkin, but Gallagher is about to show up and smash this pumpkin. The Pirates will not make the playoffs this year. That statement should not shock anyone who has been paying attention to them this season. The real problem comes once you start understanding their history and how it has tormented fans for the past 20 years. Let's look at their record right now. The Pirates currently stand at 74-74 with 14 games left; by far their best record in September since 1992. They have lost 13 of their last 17, yet are still clinging on to hope of righting this ship.
Though out the year they have been able to break most losing streaks after 4-5 games. The most recent skid has been downright dreadful after losing 5 of 7 to the lowly Chicago Cubs. With their next two series against the Astros and Mets, there's still a glimmer of hope. I truly believe they'll turn it on against these two teams. With nothing to gain (or lose) the team will play more carefree and not carry the burden of the City's playoff expectations. Let's say they take 4 of 7 from these two franchises (stop laughing!), their record will stand at 78-78 (assuming they lose to the Brewers tonight), heading into the final two series.
Their last 6 games are against the Reds and Braves, who will be jockeying for playoff position. Normally you would think they'd lose all 6 against these superior teams. That's the mentality we've come to accept as Pirates fans. I'm not buying it for one minute. I truly believe they'll play the underdog role to a "T" and win at least 1 game against the Reds, who are bound for a letdown series after winning 7 of their last 10. At this point it's the beginning of October, the Pirates are looking at a record of 79-80 and holding on to that last glimmer of hope for the franchise.
The season and weather may change once we hit October, but my feelings towards the Atlanta Braves will never change. The same franchise who started this 20 year curse by not once, but twice ousting us in the playoffs, when the Pirates clearly had the superior team. By this point, Atlanta may be fighting for the Division Title and a bye through this crazy wild-card challenge. Cue up the Tomahawk Chop and I'm ready to rumble!! I can only see this ending one way. The Pirates take the first game of the series, sparking joyous celebrations in the City of Pittsburgh, now that the Pirates are back to .500!! The Braves quickly regroup and behind the pitching of former Pirates player, Paul Maholm, take game 2 of the series 5-2.
In game number 162, the Pirates are up 2-0 heading into the 9th inning with Joel Hanrahan on the mound. First up is Jason Heyward who ends up singling up the middle. Next up is Chipper Jones, in what will be his final at bat of his regular season career. In spectacular fashion, he doubles to right field wall, moving Heyward to third. Dan Uggla is up next, and pops up for the first out. David Ross, their catcher, is the next at-bat, and after battling back from an 0-2 count, he brings it to 3-2. Ross flies out to deep center field, which brings Heyward home and Chipper to third base.
2-1 Pirates, down to the last out. The DJ decides to play "Final Countdown" by Europe to pump up this raucous crowd.
The Pittsburgh home crowd is now besides themselves at the thought of a .500 franchise and breaking this curse. Lyle Overbay (Former Pirates player, which is key) comes to bat and within one pitch, quiets the crowd as the lines the ball towards the shortstop, only for it to be bobbled by Clint Barnes.
1st and 3rd with two outs. Jeff Baker, a relative unknown, is up next, as the Braves are out of pinch-hitters. Baker with a 2-2 count, hits a laser into left-center field, which quickly brings Chipper home. McCutchen has trouble handling it cleanly as Overbay is chugging around the bases. Barnes takes the relay from McCutchen as Overbay is rounding third. In a play that's eerily similar to 1992, the throw pulls Michael McKenry off the plate a few inches and is unable to tag Overbay in time and the Braves win 3-2.
(This image haunts me to this day, 20 years later)
Just like that, half the crowd passes out from the flashbacks of 1992, while the Braves celebrate. Once again they came through, punched us in the gut and stole our kid. The curse lives on for another 20 years and I hate these guys even more. Burn Atlanta, burn.....
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