Sports & the Fourth

I've been in Pittsburgh for about two weeks now, and I slowly feel myself turning into a sports fan. Now, don't get me wrong, as a Queens, NY native, I have a lot of love in my heart for the NYMets among other New York teams. But "sports" as a general pastime and obsession was never really a huge part of my daily life and vocabulary.

Then, I moved to Pittsburgh.

Elisabeth Ponsot/Post-Gazette

There is an excitement in this city surrounding the Steelers, Penguins and even the Pirates that I'm convinced is actually contagious. I started feeling the effects while I was filming SportsNOW, the Post-Gazette's popular in-house Sports talk show, on the 1st. I had anticipated just listening to the commentary vaguely while the taping was going on, but I found myself genuinely intrigued about the ins and outs of Pittsburgh sports.

It all came to a head last night, when I went with some friends to the Pirates game. It was the Pirates' worst showing of the on-going Pirates-Phillies series (I think the final score was 12-4... very sad), but I just loved the energy of the Pittsburgh fans.

Elisabeth Ponsot/Post-Gazette

It's clear to me that whether or not their teams are winning, Pittsburghers are serious, loyal supporters, and I'm really enjoying being a part of it all.

Also, I think I need a Pirates hat.

Elisabeth Ponsot/Post-Gazette

Happy 4th of July, Summerburgh readers!

- Beth