Why are the called the Pirates?

After the Players’ League collapsed in 1890, the National League’s Pittsburgh club signed two players, including Lou Bierbauer, whom the Philadelphia Athletics had forgotten to place on their reserve list.

A Philadelphia sportswriter claimed that Pittsburgh “pirated away Bierbauer” and the Pirates nickname was born.

 Why am I excited to see their city?

No word of a lie, Pittsburgh is my favourite city in the United States to visit. The people (known as Yinzers), the food, the city itself is bursting with life, and everyone you meet is proud of their city’s heritage and industrial “beauty” (blue collar working class), sports teams (Pirates, Penguins but especially the Steelers) and awesome beer that is brewed in the area.

Fun story, when visiting Pittsburgh one summer, I thought I’d be polite and grab a case of Budweiser for the family I was visiting. I was quickly told to hide the case as my friend’s dad (a full blown loud and proud Yinzer), would freak out and probably pour it down the drain – or kick me out of the house!

Some photos of fun times in Pitt!

What is a tradition at their ballpark?

Much like the San Francisco Giants, the Pirates play in one of the most scenic and beautiful stadiums in the country.

Above: INCREDIBLE

Traditions include walking across one of the many bridges to the stadium, and people hanging out in their kayaks to catch a home run ball.

As previously mentioned, food is big in Pittsburgh, and it’s tough to beat the traditional Primanti Bros Sandwiches (pronounced “Sammach” in Pittsburgh), where it is done Pittsburgh style…. Pittsburgh style? Yeah, that means the fries are ON the sandwich (this is also done with salads).

Who is a famous fan?

Again, given how famous the city is as a “sports town”, there is no shortage of famous Pirates fans.

Mark Cuban, Michael Keaton and Aussie Russell Crowe are all know Pirates fans, but again, this one is easy and goes down the music path again.

The wizard and Pittsburgh native himself – WIZ KHALIFA.

CUE THE MUSIC!

A fun/weird fact about the Pirates?

Not specific to the Pirates but to Pittsburgh in general.

Pittsburgh is the only city in the USA that has teams in at least three of the four major sporting leagues (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL) who all wear the same colours – BLACK & YELLOW (refer to the Wiz song above).

I personally think this is really cool and reminds me a lot of home whereby our state/city teams typically wear associated colours that go across all the different sports!

BONUS FUN FACT

Pittsburgh took a unique approach with their mascot, and rather having a threatening Pirate who probably isn’t a friendly guy, they went with a Parrot simply named “Pirate Parrot”.

Check him out below:

Wait who’s that guy in the top right??? C’mon you really think they’d miss the opportunity to have a badass Yinzer Pirate mascot?

Why are the called the Reds?

One of the oldest teams, Cincinnati’s baseball club was known as the Cincinnati “Red Stockings” – so named because they wore socks.

Eventually, this name was shortened to “Redlegs” and this then shortened to “Reds”.

Bonus fun fact, in 1953 the team was briefly known again as the “Red Stockings”, and Red removed from all the uniforms.

Why?

As the AP reported “The political significance of the word ‘Reds’ these days and its effect on the change was NOT discussed by management”…….. sure guys

(please note that in no way do I condone or support the “Red Army” – apologies to my Russian readers)

Why am I excited to see their city?

Cincinnati is apparently a pretty fun city to catch a ball game and cross over into the “Southern State” of Kentucky.

But what I’m really excited for, is destroying my guts and trying the famous Cincinnati “delicacy” Skyline Chilli.

Take a look at this stuff? Apparently the locals live on it! Others (mainly the PMT boys), think it tastes like the spaghetti was boiled in toilet water… Guess I’ll find out

What is a tradition at their ballpark?

Every year, millions of baseball fans get excited for opening day around the country. None though, seem to do it quite like the Reds.

Each year, a PARADE is thrown that runs through the city and only finishes when the first game of the season begins. The parade, known as the “Findlay Market Opening Day Parade” has been in existence for over 100 years, and in 1970 was officially declared a holiday in the city!

Who is a famous fan?

Much like their in-state rivals the Cleveland Indians, there is no shortage of famous Cincinnati Reds fans.

From Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker, through to David Letterman and NASCAR legend Kurt Busch, there are many who’d rather be Red than dead…. Wait is that ok to say?

But as is tradition on this blog, it’s hard to go past the musical talent. So I’m going with my boy Michael “Flea” Balzary from one of the greatest bands THE RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS!

Cue the music!

A fun/weird fact about the Reds?

Cincinnati is not only one of the oldest teams, but are also the first team to “go pro” and pay players to play ball for the club.

Because of this, many people feel that Cincinnati is the birthplace of baseball as we know it today!

BONUS FUN FACT:

The Reds mascot is cool. I mean really cool. But again, given the “controversy” around the Reds nickname, is it possible this dude could be mistaken for a Russian Spy? hmmmmmm

CINCINNATI, OH – MAY 3: Cincinnati Reds mascot Mr. Redlegs squirts fans with a water gun in between innings of the game against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park on May 3, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds came from behind to win 4-3. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

BONUS BONUS FUN FACT!

I know we discussed with the White Sox about the gangster connections. But this takes on a whole new meaning with the Reds!

You see, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, “The Bloods” closely identify with the colour red… no surprise then who their favourite team is and which hat they wear to fly their gang colours…..

We enter the United States again and our first stop is back on the rust belt to the city of Cleveland!

Why are the called the Indians?

 Cleveland’s baseball team was originally nicknamed the Naps after star player-manager Napoleon Lajoie, so when the team cut ties with Lajoie after the 1914 season, it was in the market for a new name. Club officials and sportswriters agreed on Indians in January 1915.

The Boston Braves’ miraculous World Series triumph may have been part of the inspiration behind Cleveland’s new moniker.

Why am I excited to see their city?

Why am I excited?

Have you not seen their tourist video – it’s a must watch!

Who wouldn’t be?!?!?!

What is a tradition at their ballpark?

John Adams, a Cleveland Indians fanatic, gets the crowd going every game with his Indian style drumming! Can’t go wrong with drumming at a sports event I say!

This tradition started in 1973, when he asked the Indians if he could bring his drums to a game. Their response? Long as you don’t annoy anyone…. Righto buddy

Who is a famous fan?

Surprisingly, Ohio is a state that has given the world a ton of great celebrities and athletes.

LeBron James, Drew Carey, Kid Cudi, Drake (oh wait he loves every team), and writer Stephen King make up some of the famous fans in the “tribe”.

But one guy who I’m going with may or may not be a true fan, but I think the whole world wants him to be.

I’m speaking about, Charlie Sheen!! Who absolutely crushed it as “Wild Thing” in the Major League franchise which starred the Cleveland Indians (and filmed in Milwaukee as we previously learned)

A fun/weird fact about the Indians?

Not so much fun, but in my opinion, kind of weird, the Indians logo Chief Wahoo (again a top 5 logo – might be #1), is the subject of much debate as critics and even worse ARMCHAIR CRITICS believe it marginalises the Indian people.

Without entering into too much of a political debate, I believe that it is a matter of perspective and feel it somewhat recognises the original people who lived in the area.

Still, that hasn’t stopped thought pieces being written up, and lobby groups trying to get the team to move to a logo that is not only bland, but simple boring with no personality (see below).

Seriously, forget the logo, have fun and let the boys play!!! (you can read more about the issue here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Indians_name_and_logo_controversy)

Aren’t there bigger problems out there to tackle? Like maybe the Washington REDSKINS of the NFL???……

We briefly leave the United States after Detroit as we head to “America’s Hat” Canada!

Why are the called the Blue Jays?

When the Blue Jays were entered into the league, more than 30,000 entries were received for the “Name the team” contest, where a panel would later narrow this down to the top 10 entries.

Ultimately, the name “Blue Jays” was selected as cited by the judges because “it is a native North American bird, bright blue in colour, with a white undercovering and black neck ring. It is strong, aggressive and inquisitive. It dares to take on all comers, yet it is down-to-earth, gutsy and good-looking”.

Ok Canada, could have just said it sounded cool and is unique……….

Why am I excited to see their city?

Having been to Toronto before, it is a great city that reminds me of a land-locked Sydney. It’ll be cool to get back there and catch up with some friends and indulge in the awesome Italian food in Little Italy.

Also, it is a good spot to renew my visa 😛

What is a tradition at their ballpark?

As they are not in the USA, the Blue Jays do not sing “America the Beautiful” during the 7^th inning stretch – that would be weird.

Instead, they have their own song, which I reckon is just as cool and a must watch! Check it out below!

OK BLUE JAYS!

 Who is a famous fan?

This was an easy one.

As one of the BIGGEST stars on the planet at the moment, it feels like every song this artist is one is a certified top hit.

I think we all know the guy (and if you don’t, now you do) the 6-god, DRAKE!

Come to think of it though, Drake feels like a fan of every team????

Who cares – cue the music for the hometown boy!

A fun/weird fact about the Blue Jays?

Apart from the fact that they’re the only team outside of the USA competing in the league and winning a World Series (very cool I reckon).

They are also one of only two teams who are under corporate ownership! (the other is the Atlanta Braves).

Why are the called the Tigers?

Detroit’s original minor league baseball team was officially known as the Wolverines. The club was also referred to as the Tigers, the nickname for the members of Michigan’s oldest military unit, the 425th National Guard infantry regiment, which fought in the Civil War and Spanish-American War.

When Detroit joined the newly formed American League in 1901, the team received formal permission from the regiment, which was known as the Detroit Light Guard, to use its symbol and nickname.

Why am I excited to see their city?

 Again, another city up North that I’ve never been to and am keen to see how it goes.

Known as the Capital of the rust belt, Detroit had a thriving automotive industry in the 20^th century, and the residents probably thought the goodtimes would never end – until all of their jobs were shifted down South to Mexico, where labour is cheap and quality is arguably just as good (just don’t ask Trump).

My mate Reegs who has been up there reckons it’s a pretty good time downtown, he still sighted leaving the joint as a top three highlight. That being said, I’m keen to see some Motown history, some of the neighbourhoods that have been rebuilt into a thriving art scene, and enjoying some bagels (Reegs reckons they’re some of the best).

What is a tradition at their ballpark?

A tradition that I can really get behind here (and the first of 3 youtube videos for), at the beginning of the 8^th inning), the Tigers stadium will pump over the speaks one of my favourite songs, “Don’t Stop Believing”!

Something to do with the line “Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit” – Ya think?

Who is a famous fan?

Will the real Detroit fans please stand up, please stand up, please stand up!

The famous fan I’ve got for the Tigers is non-other than the man who is ice cold and put white rappers on the map in the 90’s, While some say he’s trashy, he remains a polarising figure to this day.

No, no, no, I never cued up Vanilla Ices music!

I’m talking about the real Slim Shady himself – EMINEM!

Cue the goddamn music!

A fun/weird fact about the Tigers?

The Detroit Tigers are one of only three remaining teams (the other being Cleveland and Chicago Cubs) to be charter members of the American League.

This dates back to 1901, which makes them 116 years old at time of writing!

To put this into perspective, some of the events that happened whilst the Detroit Tigers existed included:

• The colonies of Australia (now states) came together to form one country officially called “The Commonwealth of Australia”
• New York is the first US State to require all automobiles have license plates
• The first prototype motorcycle was drawn up
• Chuck Taylor (who would later have the trademark Converse shoes) was born

Why are the called the White Sox?

Before the White Sox moved to the South Side of Chicago from St Paul (remember the neighbouring city of Minneapolis that the Twins play in), they were known as the St Paul Saints.

Once they moved however, they quickly adopted the Cubs previous nickname “White Stockings”, to resonate with the fan base in Chicago.

White Stockings was shortened to White Sox, soon after the team joined the American League in 1901.

Whilst I love the look of their cap logo (above), it would be remiss of me not to include another one of my favourite logos in baseball, the White Sox alternate logo.

Why am I excited to see their city?*

The capital of the mid-west and largest US city I haven’t been, Chicago seems to have it all (especially during the summer time).

The bean, the buildings, the lake, the history, restaurants, bars, it is literally like the mid-western New York City and I am especially pumped to go there, catch up with friends and enjoy the games!

*taken from previous post about the Cubs. However, I’ve heard the South Side of Chicago is pretty etch, so that will be an interesting contrast to the friendly neighbourhood of Wrigleyville where the Cubs play

What is a tradition at their ballpark?

The White Sox run out onto the field every game to legendary AUSSIE band AC/DC. The song?

THUNDERSTRUCK!

As always, cue the music!

Who is a famous fan?

Much like there local rivals the Cubs, the White Sox have an abundance of famous fans. But for this particular team, it looks like they’ve got the most famous of all.

I’m talking about Big Barry ‘O – Barack Obama!

U.S. Sen. Barak Obama (D-IL) is dressed in a White Sox uniform as he smiles while standing on the field prior to his throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the Chicago White Sox met the Los Angeles Angels in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series in Chicago October 12, 2005. REUTERS/John Gress

A fun/weird fact about the White Sox?

Often associated with gangs, the White Sox black hat with “SOX” on the front was a favourite amongst LA rappers Ice Cube and Dr Dre in the early 90’s (even though their performances on the field have been nothing to brag about)

Why are the called the Cubs?

In 1902 when the team was not doing so well, a local newspaper named the young players on the roster “Cubs”. This was likely a homage to the local NFL team the Chicago Bears.

As things seemed to do back in those days, the name stuck, and the legendary name “Cubs” was alive!

 Why am I excited to see their city?

The capital of the mid-west and largest US city I haven’t been, Chicago seems to have it all (especially during the summer time).

The bean, the buildings, the lake, the history, restaurants, bars, it is literally like the mid-western New York City and I am especially pumped to go there, catch up with friends and enjoy the games!

What is a tradition at their ballpark?

Wrigley field is a classic stadium in of itself. From the ivy growing on the outfield walls, the entire stadium is full of tradition with minimal renovations or alterations for over 100 years.

It will be awesome to have the experience of meeting at the bars before the game and enjoying a beer or two with some of the most die-hard and passionate fans in baseball – fans who waited over 100 years between World Series wins!!

 Who is a famous fan? 

There are a lot of famous fans to choose from, but I’m going to go with a guy who helped inspire me to put my thoughts on paper and write.

This guy has made me laugh for years and moved from writing blogs daily, to becoming co-host of the most popular podcast in the world.

I’m speaking of course, about the one, the only, barstool’s finest burrito eating machine Dan Katz aka BIG CAT!

A fun/weird fact about the Cubs?

The Steve Bartman story is a fascinating look at when a fan gets involved with the baseball action and ultimately causes fan frustration and draws the ugly side out of the diehard fans. Our boy Steve was absolutely destroyed by fans of the Cubs and never truly recovered until they won the World Series in late 2016.

Below is the outline of the story,

From Wikipedia

“During a Major League Baseball postseason game played between the Cubs and the Florida Marlins on October 14, 2003, at Wrigley Field spectator Steve Bartman disrupted the game by intercepting a potential catch.

The incident occurred in the eighth inning of Game 6 of the National League Championship Series with Chicago ahead 3–0 and holding a three games to two lead in the best of seven series. Moisés Alou attempted to catch a foul ball off the bat of Marlins second baseman Luis Castillo.

Bartman reached for the ball, deflected it, and disrupted the potential catch. If Alou had caught the ball, it would have been the second out in the inning and the Cubs would have been just four outs away from winning their first National League Pennant since 1945.

Instead, the Cubs ended up surrendering eight runs in the inning and losing the game, 8–3. When they were eliminated in the seventh game the next day, the incident was seen as the “first domino” in the turning point of the series.

Why are the called the Brewers?

 The Brewers nickname is homage to the city of Milwaukee’s famous beer industry, and could also be my favourite nickname on the list!

Why am I excited to see their city? 

Milwaukee is your classic mid-western city, except it is famous for it’s breweries and also lies on the Western side of Lake Michigan.

Water sports, hanging in parks, and visiting breweries are all things I’m excited to see when I’m up here – also keen to see if that previously mentioned Minnesota nice translates just South.

What is a tradition at their ballpark?

Given the long winters, Milwaukee’s ballpark (Miller Park) has a domed roof which as you can see looks unique to other domed stadiums.

One very cool tradition is tied in with their nickname and mascot – that is partying with the guy below every time a home run is hit!

Meet BERNIE BREWER!

Oh and when I say party, I mean watch this beautiful (I assume drunk) bastard slide down Bernie’s dugout and slide. Check it out!

Who is a famous fan?

 Honestly, it was really difficult to find a famous fan of the Brewers. I guess not a lot of typically famous people come from Wisconsin…. Shocker!

So let’s pretend that the entire squad of the Green Bay Packers are all fans, the NFL team that also shares the state of Wisconsin – check out these Cheeseheads below!

A fun/weird fact about the Brewers?

Although the famous baseball film starring Charlie Sheen “Major League” featured the Cleveland Indians, most of the movie’s key scenes were actually shot in Milwaukee!

Bonus facts – Whilst Milwaukee’s logo (I think it might be the alternate) that I featured above is an M.B – it also makes a baseball glove and it in my top 5 logos of the MLB (which I’ll feature in a future post)

Why are the called the Twins? 

The cities Minneapolis and St. Paul, are separated by the Mississippi River and collectively known as the Twin Cities. Both cities argued for years over where an expansion baseball team in Minnesota (assuming one would arrive) would call home.

Ultimately, the team set up shop in Minneapolis, but would get the nickname “Twins” to keep both sides of the twin cities happy.

Here you can see the original logo whereby the two cities are shaking hands

Why am I excited to see their city?

Having not been to any of the North Mid-West States, this is a leg of the trip I’m really excited to see.

I’ve heard that some of the landscapes up North, including the forests and great lakes, need to be seen to be believed, as well as the laid back Northern vibe or “Minnesota” nice – made famous in the classic movie Fargo.

What is a tradition at their ballpark?

 The Twins Tradition wall features pennants from the team’s 50-year history — pennants that list every single player on the team that year. But what makes the wall so unique is the fan support with 2,400 tributes — from family names to memorials — bought by fans displayed on the wall. It’s the only ballpark where you can see fan tributes next to the players’ names.

Who is a famous fan?

Josh Hartnett and Kris Humphries are two of the most famous fans of the Twins – even though they look nothing alike..

A fun/weird fact about the Twins?

The Twins play in Target Field (Minneapolis is also Target HQ), and with seven free-standing bars and the Budweiser Roof Deck in left field, Target Field has the most square footage of bar space than any other Major League Baseball stadium.

There are the bars inside the Legends and Champions Club, the 573 which is one long wooden bar and, of course, the Town Ball Tavern. All places to whet your whistle and enjoy the atmosphere of Target Field.

BONUS FACT:

Have a look at the Twins current logo at the top of this post… notice anything interesting?

For those with a keen eye, you will see that the word WIN is underlined – a homage to what the team attempts to do every game, but ultimately has fallen short of in recent times.

Why are the called the Royals?

When Kansas City was awarded an expansion franchise in 1969, club officials ran a name the team contest where “Royals” was ultimately chosen.

Sanford Porte, who submitted Royals, won an all-expenses-paid trip to the All-Star Game.

Porte submitted the name because of “Kansas City’s position as the nation’s leading stocker and feeder market and the nationally known American Royal Livestock and Horse Show. 

Why am I excited to see their city? 

Like many cities already in the list, Kansas City is a blue collar town that is famous for one thing in particular…. KANSAS CITY BBQ!

Last time I was in town, I visited the famous Arthur Bryant’s BBQ Restaurant, and believe me, I was not disappointed.

Here’s my friend Dave outside the famous establishment.

What is a tradition at their ballpark?

A new tradition at the Royals Stadium is whenever there is a home win, Royals historian “KayCee” (think about the name before continuing) comes out to the top of the Hall of Fame building and hangs a giant “W” in front of all the fans.

To get to the top of the building, “KayCee” climbs a series of steps whilst holding the large letter. He shows it proudly to the crowd, hangs it, then gives a salute!

Who is a famous fan?

Whilst looking for Kansas City fans, I found a lot of mid-western local comedians and celebrities, but then one name instantly caught my eye.

Apparently, BRAD PITT is a big fan of the Royals having been born just south in the state of Oklahoma.

BUT, then I remembered, that there is a fan closer to home.

No I’m not talking about my friend Katie (sorry KK)……. this star literally was inspired to write a song due to a famous picture of Royals player George Brett.

This counts as a fan right?

CUE THE MUSIC!!

A fun/weird fact about the Royals?

Whilst tailgating is massive at NFL stadiums, it is not so much a thing with the baseball crowd… unless of course you’re a Royals fan!

Given the stadiums location on the outskirts of the city, there is ample room in the vast parking lot for fans to set up their oversized trucks, coolers full of beer, music blasting from speakers, drinking games and of course that KANSAS CITY BBQ!