Week II: Gone to Baltimore
September 20th, 2004
If you didn’t know, “Baltimore is Steeler Country.” Yet, I met more than one Steelers fan who chose not to wear black and gold because Baltimore can be hostile territory, but since the Ravens won, they seemed to be in good spirits. On my way from Pittsburgh, I crossed the Mason-Dixon Line at 7:39 am. When I arrived at M&T Bank Stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers Fan Club of Baltimore was out in full force. Those who went to the game were in full pads for everyone to see. Others quietly went about their tailgating business, but under the watchfull protection of the Baltimore Police. Even a few Duquesne alumni got together for a mini reunion. The Pittsburgh Road Warriors and a few other groups came in mass by bus, and rubbed elbows with the Ravens fans in the parking lots. Those who were too young to partake in beer stuck with the true pastime of parking lot football, where they reinforced their spirit of rivalry. I met a few people who claimed to be “THE BIGGEST STEELERS FAN” but few compared to Pierre and Reggie who wisely declared that Steelers fans are the best because they’re everywhere you go. The second largest fan I met was Sharie with her 44-DD’s.
Being the Ravens’ home opener I was unable to get tickets to the game so I moseyed on down to the Purple Goose where everyone in the bar is a Steelers fan. It was a little slice of Pittsburgh and an inviting place. Sadly we all shared the same frustrations of watching the Steelers struggle through the game. But Eight gave way to Seven and the next few weeks could prove either promising or precarious.
Final Outcome: Steelers lose to Baltimore, 30 – 13
Tommy Maddox out – Big Ben Roethlisberger in