THE BLACK AND GOLD POST

As the crowds begin to congregate at all locations on Sunday Sept 12 for the opening game against Oakland, it will be a time of reflection and gratification for many PSFCOB'ers. This promising 2004 season will mark a milestone that is hard to believe for many long time members. Yes, it has been 15 years.

A fan club that was initiated in 1990 long before NFL Ticket so suffering fans would be able to see Steelers games, it has turned out to be that and so much more. Over the years we have shared in good seasons, bad seasons and almost seasons. We have shared in the exhilaration and celebration of great showdown victories and in the heartbreak of terrible disappointment. We have done it all together.

Over the past 15 years we have boarded planes for Atlanta and New Orleans, busses to Philadelphia and Morgantown and made so many yearly trips to Pittsburgh we can hardly remember one from the other. Tailgate parties, picnics, the Purple Goose Steelers softball team, the softball tournaments with the York, Pa. fan club; the memories are endless. As we raise our glasses with friends this Sunday, I'm sure our conversation will digress to stories about the year the beer was frozen in Pittsburgh, when we got the game upside down at Jeremy's or many other unforgettable events.

Even more important than all of the great experiences and events over the years are the friendships that have been made. Many of us could not imagine our lives over the past 15 years without the friendships that have been made through the fan club. We have had many members who met their spouse at a fan club function and have even had a marriage proposal at the Goose. We have also lost some beloved members over the years and it is especially good to know that they are always there with us as we root the Steelers on at the PSFCOB bars each Sunday. The 2004 season promises to be another memorable one for the Pittsburgh Steelers Fan Club of Baltimore. With the road trip to Miami fast approaching, plans for the trip to Pittsburgh progressing and numerous other events planned throughout the year you don't want to miss out on any of it. Be a part of the next 15 years of memories.

Opening Day is always an exciting time for the fan club and with so many positive signs coming from the Steelers, Sunday should be a great day. As usual the Purple Goose Saloon will begin the 2004 festivities with a tailgate party in back of the bar starting at 9:00AM. Spirits will be sky high in anticipation of the game and the 2004 season. It is great to be at any of the five PSFCOB bars on Opening Day and share in the excitement with friends we haven't seen since last season. As we tip our glass to commemorate this new season, don't forget to wish everyone a Happy 15th Birthday.

Jim Day

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