Pitt-Johnstown student Carrie Siebert, 19, of Scottdale receives an autograph from Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Johnstown Galleria. Siebert was one of the first people in line, arriving at 1:30 in the afternoon. (Photo by Michael Kuhne) |
JOHNSTOWN—
Hundreds of Pittsburgh Pirates fans stood in a line that stretched the entire length of the Galleria mall Wednesday night with the hope of getting an autograph from a member of the team."It's good to see everybody come out here for this," Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen said. "It's definitely great to be able to see that."
McCutchen garnered the most applause from the excited crowd as he danced onto the stage to see the fans. In addition to McCutchen, pitcher Brad Lincoln, third base coach Nick Leyva and broadcast announcer Steve Blass appeared on stage.
Blass narrated a season highlight video presentation for the fans before the public autograph session started at 6:30 p.m. The session was scheduled to end at 8 p.m.
The event is part of the Pittsburgh Pirates Winter Caravan, a tour in which five buses with different team members head out across the state and as far south as Charleston, W.Va.
"I'm here because I've been a lifelong Pirates fan and this is a nice opportunity to finally meet them," Eric Yacko, 27, of Johnstown said.
Yacko said even though the team is on a 19-season losing streak, he is still dedicated.
"It's been a long while, but there is always a glimmer of hope," he said.
Melissa Arnold of Rockwood shared his dedication for the team she has been supporting since her childhood.
"I'm here to meet McCutchen and get his autograph," Arnold said, holding a canvas with the player printed on it.
Linda and Ron Adams of Windber made sure they brought along their son, Brody, 8, who stood patiently in line holding two baseballs to get autographed.
"The little guy is so into baseball," Linda Adams said, adding that he said he wants to become a professional baseball player when he gets older.
"Well, we might have a future baseball player for a son," Ron Adams said.
Luke Swintosky, 20, of Johnstown said he was waiting with his brother and father.
"I've been a lifelong Pirates fan and I'm looking forward to seeing them turn it around and I think McCutchen will be a big part of that," he said. "I'm looking forward to meeting him."
