THE ONLINE VERSION OF THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS FAN CLUB OF BALTIMORE, MD. JUNE, 2001 *** PAGE 4 *** BUCCO BASEBALL - LETS GET IN THE SWING
Our Pirates started this campaign with a new manager, new ballpark but, unfortunately, are continuing a trend that was started a few seasons back. A horrendous start has mired the Battlin' Bucs at the bottom of the NL Central Division.
One need only look at a pitching staff decimated by injuries to see why the Pirates are where they're at. Four of this season's five starters began the year on the disabled list, including ace Kris Benson, who will likely opt for surgery on his elbow and miss the entire year.
Bucco bats have also been performing pretty poorly early on and this lack of power and clutch hitting has only served to put more pressure on the pitching staff.
Fortunately, there is a lot of baseball to be played this year so anything can happen.
For the first time in 30+ years, Pittsburgh sports will open with a whole new look. After years of planning and construction, the North Shore of the Allegheny has taken a whole new shape with the outline of PNC Park and the yet-to-be-named home of our Mighty Steelers.
PNC Park opened last month to rave reviews from players and executives all across the country and, even though the Pirates have not lived up to expectations, it is a must see for all baseball fans. Those PSFCOBers that have been there will undoubtedly tell you the same thing.
The Steelers christen their new home with an exhibition date on August 25 against the Detroit Lions and the entire nation will get their first look on Sunday night, September 16, when the Clowns from Cleveland come down the Pike to be the first "official" victim of the Black 'n Gold.
Further development in the form of restaurants, shops and the like around the stadiums in years to come will serve to make Pittsburgh sports second to none. As far as the name for the home of the Steelers, Arthur J. Rooney Stadium sure has a nice ring to it.
1) (19) Casey Hampton NT 6-1 321 Texas
2) (30) Kendrell Bell LB 6-1 236 Georgia
4) (111) Mathias Nkwenti OT 6-3 300 Temple
5) (146) Chukky Okobi G/C 6-1 315 Purdue
6a) (181) Rodney Bailey DE 6-3 281 Ohio State
6b) (182) Roger Knight LB 6-1 230 Wisconsin
7) (218) Chris Taylor WR 5-10 184 Texas A&M
COMING:
CENTER - Jeff Hartings
LB- Mike Jones LB
SAFTEY - Mike Logan DE
SAFETY - Myron Bell LB
GOING:
CENTER - Dermontti Dawson
LINE BACKER: Levon Kirkland
DEFENSIVE END - Kevin Henry
LINE BACKER - Mike Vrabel
Due to the extraordinary amount of time since the last publication, some of these announcements may be somewhat dated but no less important. With this in mind, belated congratulations and best wishes from your friends in the PSFCOB.
- Bella Rose Zindash, born to Chris and Heather Zindash on 6/1/00.
9 lbs., 5 oz. & 21.5 inches long.
- Jantzen Leigh Hose, born to Jerry and Kristin Hose on 6/24/00.
5 lbs., 10 oz.
- Jordan Montana Anderson, born to Harry and Cherie Anderson on 7/29/00. 9 lbs., 8 oz.
- Richard Thomas Haines, born to Gary and Cora Haines on 8/8/00.
10 lbs., 5 oz. & 21.5 inches long.
- Preston King Butler, born to Bob and Dawn Butler on 10/4/00.
7 lbs., 5 oz. & 21.5 inches long.
- Micayla Faith Hall, born to Gene and Jessica Hall on 10/4/00.
8 lbs., 4 oz.
- Nicole Katheryn Walls, born to John and Mary Kay Walls on 10/12/00.
5 lbs., 11 oz. & 18 inches long.