Posted on the AP WIres today talking about Zach's 5th straight win.



(Hokie1 - Notice the hat on the young man on the right)

Couple of things here. Notice the sheer joy on the face of the two youngsters.

Pittsburgh has not had a winning season for the last 13 years. They have been near or at the bottom for attendence for many years. You know how many were there last night??? How about a full house. Who exactly were they there to see? The most exciting rookie in Pittsburgh since Barry Bonds that's who. The crowd boo'ed McClendon when they took him out.

Here is the article from the Pitts. Post Gazette this morning and it is a very enjoyable read. Also, it is all about one guy and a city that is starting to believe again:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05219/550187.stm

WOW!!! Thanks for sharing the article and picture. JustMom, that picture does say everything doesn't it! What a time for Zach fans, Pirates fans, and baseball fans in general.

After looking at that picture it got me to thinking...I SHOULD have given my son a better name to "work" with in the future! That "Zach Duke" has so much POTENTIAL...both on the mound AND with "creative nicknames"! Way to go Zach..making us prouder each day!

Those of us who are displaced Pittsburgher fans, who now follow the (currently discouraging) boys in blue on the west coast, were actually cheering against our adopted team and for our "birth" team. Wanted to send a copy of the story from today's local sports page to OPP, but the Dodger boys ... embarassed because they were Duked by a rookie ... were full of sour grapes and weren't very nice so I didn't cut it out.

Zach is an amazing young man with a great future and is bringing much joy back to the Pirate community ... what fun to watch.

Great picture. I'm not a Pirates fan, but as long as Duke is on the mound, I'll be rooting for them.

Justmom

That is a fine hat! Great sign too.