The Pittsburgh Pirates 2015 season
On the “morning after” the Wild Card game, this soon-to-be fifth year Pittsburgh Pirates season ticket member wishes to thank the team, its management and owners for a sensational season which we shall long remember despite the unfortunate way in which it ended.
Over a grueling 162 games, the Bucs got the attention of the baseball world, achieving the extraordinary feat of winning 98 games, a historic accomplishment. Were it not for a slow start to the season, often subpar defense, failure to put up runs with runners in scoring position and base-running gaffes, we would quickly have jumped to first place in the National League Central Division and held on to it throughout the season.
The Wild Card game brought what we feared as regrettably, the superhuman and unflappable Cubs’ pitcher Jake Arrieta was himself, treating us as ruthlessly as he has virtually every other ballclub as he rolled to a stunning 22-win season. With him in the postseason lineup, the Cubs are in a strong position for the postseason no matter what they are up against and they richly deserve their success after so many years of futility.
Whether it had been the Pirates or the Cubs that had been eliminated in game 163, which lasted less than three hours, I would call for a re-evaluation of the Wild Card system, which likely never took into account the possibility that the three best teams in the game would be in the same division and the inequity of a great team quickly exiting October play.
I shall always consider the 2015 Pirates to be champions as they prevailed over the long haul which separates the men from the boys. What happened on the night of Oct. 7 does not alter that view and despite the outcome, I was thrilled to be present for the game amidst a frenzied crowd. After the sting of the Wild Card game loss dissipates, I hope all who are associated with the team and its greatness this year will recognize what they have achieved and the honor and pride they have brought to their fans and this region. This Pirates devotee cannot wait for Opening Day 2016!
Oren M. Spiegler
Upper St. Clair