PiratesFest remains a successful event – MLB News
While the Christmas is being awaited anxiously, and with all fervour that accompanies it, the Pittsburgh Pirates fans had a lot to enjoy here at Pittsburgh this past weekend.
The PiratesFest, an awaited event, saw a considerably bigger number of attendants this year. Coming at the wake of the Pirates’ signing, re-signing and trade of some players, the event was a huge success, attracting 16,986 fans.
It was successful because the number of participants was bigger than the previous year. In 2010, it was 16,839 which has now grown to the aforementioned number of attendants.
That which made the event more delightful was the exchange that was witnessed. The Pirates players and the fans had – for the first time, an opportunity to interact with each other.
While questions were posed, and answers came with equal gusto with elements of humours and seriousness, the players also mingled with the fans.
For the Pirates president – Frank Coonelly, who also had a big presence at the PiratesFest, after the successful Winter Caravan, this was another event that saw active participation of the fans.
Understandably, he was quite appreciative of it.
"Coming off a tremendously successful Pirates Winter Caravan, the strong show of support from our fans this weekend has been unbelievable," said club president Frank Coonelly. "We cannot express enough the appreciation everyone within the organization has
for our fans' enthusiastic and passionate support.”
While everything about the event was overwhelmingly fascinating, the club’s president saw the interaction between the players and fans quite welcoming. A team that has not won any major title for 20 years now has fans who are not disoriented and bitter,
and have firm faith in its ability to stage a comeback.
"Perhaps most exciting to see was the impact that the passion of our fans had on our players. Our players are encouraged and energized by the support and are determined to bring postseason baseball back to Pittsburgh in 2013."
To be seen now, from here is, how the Pirates translate this passion into victory; making most of the time they have got in the offseason and upcoming Spring Training.
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