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Oct 3, 2008 3:32 pm US/Eastern

Dave Crawley's "Ode To The Bucs"

(KDKA) Every October 13th, fans gather at what remains of the old Forbes Field wall in Oakland to replay that great moment in Pirates history when Bill Mazeroski defeated the "mighty" Yankees with a 9th inning home run.

KDKA's Dave Crawley was just 13 at the time, living in Hampton, Virginia; but he was already a Pirate fan. Dave's first published poem (Newport News Daily Press) celebrated that magical moment in 1960.
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"Ode To The Bucs"
By (13-year-old) Dave Crawley

'Tis a sad and gloomy day in Pitt.
The Bucs trail, 7-5.
As they try to win their first World Series
Since 1925.

The Pirates led the series
three games to two, you see.
But the Yankees won the next game,
to tie it, three to three.

Pitt won the series in '25
and hasn't won it since.
To broadcast this important game
is our old friend, Bob Prince.

"It looks pretty bad for the Pirates
in the smoky city.
If they should lose the series now
it sure would be a pity.

"There's two on, one out in the last
of inning number eight.
And cleanup hitter Rocky Nelson
strides up to the plate.

"Nelson hits a fly to left.
The fans all give a shout.
But Yogi Berra makes the catch,
and now, two men are out.

"Clemente hits a grounder,
which he beats out for a hit.
And the New York Yankee pitcher
is about to have a fit!

"A run just scored. It's 7 to 6.
Hal Smith is at the plate.
He'd like to knock the very next pitch
out of Pennsylvania state.

"Here's a long, high drive to deep left field!
He really tagged the ball!
She's going, she's going...just kiss it goodbye!
It's o'er the left field wall!"

For the New York Yankees in the ninth
it then was do or die.
But the Yankees bounced right back
with two big runs to tie.

"The Bucs will win the ball game now
If they can only score.
If they do not, we'll have to play
An extra inning more.

"Up to the plate steps Mazeroski
with all his might and brawn.
He gives that ball a mighty whack!
She's going, going, gone!

"Mazeroski rounds the bases,
amid the mighty cheers.
The Bucs are now world champions.
It's been 35 long years!"

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.