Pirates Caravan Day 1: Group 2

Hey, whats up guys and gals? Today was the official kick off of the 2011 Pirates Caravan, leading up to Pirate Fest, this weekend. I met up with Group 2, consisting of Neil Walker, Jeff Karstens, James McDonald, Ray Searage and Tim Neverett, in Uniontown. 

Arriving, at the Uniontown Mall, 2 hours early, there were several people already in line, by the time the caravan arrived, there were roughly 300 people in line and still growing. There was a very simple set up, with a stage, a projection screen, and stadium music.


At starting time, Tim Neverett made his way to the stage and gave a nice little speech to hype up the crowd, while showing some highlights from the 2010 season. Immediately after, introduced the headliners of Group 2, Pitching Coach Ray Searage, James McDonald, Jeff Karstens, Neil Walker and surprise guest, the Pirate Parrot. Prior to the 3 players, making there way to the stage, they had a very nice video montage, of each of them.


Ray Searage seemed to be enjoying himself, quite a bit, signing a few of his cards, from his days with the Mets and Brewers. 

James McDonald's video montage

James McDonald was pleased to be signing a few of his rookie cards, from the Dodgers, and actually had a laugh at an 8x10 photo, a fan had, of him pitching. He knew exactly which game it was, by the glove he was wearing, saying "I hated that glove, that was the first and only time I wore that. I got rid of it after that game."

Jeff Karsten's video montage

Jeff Karstens, also in his first caravan, was enjoying signing autographs for the kids. Though there was a cute moment that happened, a little boy, maybe 3 years old, had a ball and Jeff had to reach over the table and stage, to get the ball. It's nice to see a new generation of Pirates fans, so young.

Neil Walker's video montage

Neil Walker, easily the most popular guy there tonight, was talking with everyone that walked by and got something signed, obviously very humbled to be there. He was signing bats, balls, programs and cards, though there was one card that he didn't even know was made, of him. He signed one of my Bowman Platinum rookie cards, of his, and made the comment, "I've never seen one of these before. Looks like they owe me a little 'cheese,' from this one," obviously, jokingly.


Tim Neverett was no where to be found, on or around the stage


On a more personal note, for those on Twitter (@daveplavi) and Facebook, who were aware of me having the Pirate Parrot at my sons birthday party, I found it to be very amicable that he was able to recognize myself, my nephew and friend. He obviously wasn't speaking, due to children being around, but for a member of the Pirates organization, who spends time with the fans, to remember someone, is doing a great job and is fully engulfed in the role.

As some of you may have known, FSN Pittsburgh will be changing designations, to ROOT Sports, in April. ROOT Sports is owned by DirecTV and on the way out, I passed the team bus and snapped this photo. It'll be an interesting first month or two, being accustomed FSN Pittsburgh for so long.


Tuesday, I will be attending the Group 2 appearance at the Galleria Mills, in Pittsburgh, featuring Andrew McCutchen, Evan Meek, Ross Ohlendorf, Bob Walk and John Wehner. Hope to see you all there!

All the autographs I got tonight. My son's room is going to be awesome!