Pittsburgh Pirates: Celebrating My 100th Article With Rum Bunter

Today’s piece is something a little different from the norm. Today we celebrate my 100th article writing about the Pittsburgh Pirates with Rum Bunter!

I’ve sat here time and time again over the past week trying to write this piece. I will finish it, read it, and then scrap it because I will tell myself I could do better. If you have been paying attention to my recent Tweets you know what I’m talking about. If  not, well, let me tell you. This piece marks my 100th article written about the Pittsburgh Pirates with Rum Bunter. As I write these words, tears of joy and sadness roll down the cheek onto the keyboard.

Over the year and some odd months I’ve been with the site, I have experienced many changes in my life. I’ve gotten engaged, I’m nearly a college graduate, I’ve made numerous connections with Pittsburgh Pirates prospects, and I’ve also made many friends online and in-person along the way. I want you all to know that I have appreciated every damn moment I’ve shared with you and look forward to the future memories we will share.

I know that earlier in the piece I mentioned both tears of joy and sadness, and the word sadness may seem strange, but I’ll explain. You see 32 weeks ago to the date I wrote one of the hardest things I ever had to write. My grandmother passed away, and I can’t help shake the feeling of melancholy when I think that she can’t share these types of moments with me, even though I know she’s looking down and smiling at my work and how far I’ve come.

The weirdest part about the tears flowing down my face is that I’m welcoming them like the prodigal son coming home. I welcome all of these emotions of both joy and sadness, well, because that’s what writers do. Writers feed off of good and bad emotions to fuel their work. Without emotion, we would never have amazing stories. I like to think I get my story-telling ability from all of my family but especially my grandmother.

It is those emotions that helped me get the courage to take chances and submit my application to join Rum Bunter in the first place. Writing for the Pittsburgh Pirates has always been my dream, and I hope my story, if anything, helps fuel you to go and do your dream or at least find it. Courage and emotions can do amazing things if you use them right.

I apologize for the somber tone because we are all here for a celebration. The celebration isn’t for my 100th article, the celebration is for each and every single one of you who have ridden along for my crazy journey. I consider myself just another Pittsburgh boy with a dream, but I must say, the support I’ve received has made me feel like the king of Pittsburgh (even if it isn’t true, LOL).

My all-time favorite moments shared with you occurred during the “A Day in the Life of a Minor Leaguer.” Not only did we learn what it’s really like to be a minor leaguer, but we also learned the struggles and the pure desire and heart to want to make it for themselves and their families. I think we all see a little of ourselves in them, and I think that’s why the underdog is always our favorite. I will remember every single name that I’ve talked to, and I hope you do too.

One more thing before I go, and this comes in the form of a question more than a statement. Waaaaaay back when I started my “A Day in the Life of a Minor Leaguer,” what was the name of the first prospect I talked to in an interview? Due to the fact I am a poor college student, I can’t give a cash prize away, but if you answer it right, I will give you a high five or a hug. Virtually, of course, because you know, the COVID.