Baseball Dreams Realized At Pirates Fantasy Camp

Baseball magic was experienced at the Pittsburgh Pirates Fantasy Camp last week in Bradenton.

The campers had a ball, literally and figuratively.

Most of the 90 Pirates fans ages 30 and up who made the trek south, mainly from Pennsylvania, were in all their baseball glory, getting to play lots of games at Pirate City. The pampering and professionalism offered to the sold-out roster of die-hard Pirates fans was enough to make any fan jealous.

The trainers were ready to handle any possible twists or hyperextension of muscles. Campers were greeted in the clubhouse used by the Pirates during spring training, complete with their own locker and authentic MLB Pittsburgh gear.

There were cool temperatures and cloudy skies but few if any of the players noticed. They were there to get back on the diamond and field a position. Each team was assigned two former Pirates as coaches.

Barry Posch, a 65-year-old self-proclaimed Pirates fan his whole life, was participating in his first fantasy camp. After a decade on the waiting list, finally, the Seneca Falls, New Yorker was ecstatic to be a part of the fraternity he had been hearing about for many years.

“It’s been so much fun. I hadn’t played in a baseball game in years,” explained Posch. “There’s a wonderful feeling of unity here.”

Having two of MLB’s top hitters from years past, Mike Easler and Al Oliver as his team’s coaches only added more excitement for Posch. From making several drives from his Western New York home to Pirates home games each season for the last 15 years at PNC Park, more than 10-hours roundtrip driving, to having the opportunity to be on the other side of the fences didn’t disappoint Posch.

Teams were busy early in the morning, and games also scheduled in the afternoon. Along with the games, there were meals, lodging at Pirate City, awards, banquet – something to keep all participants busy from morning to night.

Chris Meyer, 66, from Shanksville, PA, was attending his fifth consecutive fantasy camp in Bradenton. Making the annual trip to camp began as a birthday present for Meyer, and his attendance is the gift that keeps on giving.

“I enjoy playing the game and the fellowship I experience,” says Meyer, who was catching during last Thursday’s morning game scheduled at Roberto Clemente Field. “I’ll be back at the end of February for spring training, too.”

As the games were in progress on three of the four fields at the complex, spouses and other family members were watching their participants living out their “Field of Dream” moments, catches and hits that made the whole experience that much more precious.

It’s not unusual for campers to make their participation a family affair. Take Shawna Brophy of Dallastown, PA. She was attending her first camp, along with her father who was having a blast as a 9-time participant. Brophy ,44, registered a hit and an RBI during the innings I watched last Wednesday.

“This is my first time in Bradenton,” said Brophy. “I’ve played ball in my backyard, so I wanted to come along and see for myself how things went. I’m having a great time.”

Keeping with all Pirates baseball wishes may come true during camp week, last Wednesday, at 2:45 p.m., a marriage proposal took place. Just before the pitcher was to toss his first ball in the top of the first inning, his girlfriend was summoned to the mound. With pitcher down on one knee, an engagement ring was presented.

As the pitcher took his first warm-up pitch, his girlfriend returned to the team bench area as his fiance.

Over at field two on Thursday morning, just to the right of the Elroy Face bullpen, another of the three games scheduled was in full swing. Coaching from the dugout on the first base side of the field was former Pirates catcher Mike LaValliere. Looking across the diamond, giving a last minute pep talk to his squad was Steve Blass.

Blass, a member of the 1971 Pittsburgh World Series championship club, had all eyes and ears concentrating on his every word. His players appreciated his interest in their play.

“I wouldn’t miss this,” declares Blass of his annual participation in the fantasy camp.

Along with offering his expertise of pitching and having fun at this unique event, Blass is the head of the “Kangaroo Court”. Each morning, before games are in motion, fines are issued to selected campers; all are $1.00.

“Nobody is safe,” according to Blass of being fined. “It’s more fun for all, and a great start of the morning.”

A lifetime of memories and friendships accompanmy campers, as they headed towards SRQ this past weekend, and returned north to ride out the winter.