My Holy Grail Quest Mission Accomplished

[71buc]

I want to thank all the board members who helped me raise the funds necessary to make this purchase a reality. Thanks to Forever_Young and PhilNap for your photo purchases. My gratitude to John E. Scott, Marlborough_ Man, BKasarda, Bpm0014, Sycks22, and Benderbroeth for buying my cards. You all helped me raise the necessary money, under a very tight deadline (48 hours). I will send all purchased items tomorrow morning. Net54 is my favorite community.

The 1971 Pirates have always been my favorite team and Roberto Clemente my favorite player. I was eight that year and fell hard for baseball because of him and that group of players. I loved them all, Stargell’s bat twirl, Blass’ enthusiasm, Sanguillen’s gap tooth grin, Dave Cash’s fro, and the attitude of Doc Ellis. I still do.

Last year while at PNC I visited the Hunt auction booth. They had for sale the Pirates 1970 NL East Banner which hung in Three Rivers. The asking price was $1400.00. It was an incredible item but I didn’t have the money at the time. Although it was beautiful, passing on it wasn’t too difficult because it was not related to the 1971 Pirates. I told my wife that if I ever could find a similar piece representing the 1971 club I would do whatever was required to obtain it.

This last Monday I was presented with that opportunity. Tonight I purchased the 1971 National League Championship banner that hung in right field at Three Rivers Stadium during Game 3 of the 1971 World Series (see the screen captures below). It's a massive 8ft X 4ft. I know this is not the type of item that would appeal to many others. However, for this Pirate fan to have the opportunity to own the actual 1971 National League Championship banner won by my all-time favorite team, that hung above my childhood hero, during my favorite world series...priceless!