Pirates in the American League? Good Idea, But No

The Pittsburgh Pirates are making their plea with Major League Baseball to escape the NL Central and move back into the East. Although one person I heard on Pittsburgh 93.7 FM The Fan had a different idea that involved ending a Pirates tradition that has been around for 125 years.

Joe Starkey, who co-hosts a radio show weekdays 2-6pm on WFAN in Pittsburgh, suggested that the Pirates make the dramatic move and leave the National League for the American League. For me this sounded surreal. I have to say I don't agree with Starkey, but I listened to his argument and saw that he did make a good one.

One reason was the idea of a fresh start for the Bucs. The Pirates have been terrible for almost 20 years, and especially since they were thrown into the NL Central in 1994. With a change in scenery in what would be the AL Central, with the Royals moving to the AL West, the Pirates could stretch their legs out in a whole new atmosphere. Starkey cited the Steelers move to the AFL after the NFL merged with its rival in the early 1970's and the success the Steelers had in the 1970's, and this Pirate team right now is playing .500 and above .500 ball right now.

The second argument was the drivable games for fans who wanna see the Bucs play. The Pirates could create a rival in the Cleveland Indians and even the Detroit Tigers, a team the Pirates played for the title 102 years ago. Even the Chicago White Sox could be a good weekend getaway for Pirates fans, and Minnesota is the exception with driving.  Better than Houston, St. Louis and Milwaukee though.

The third reason would be who the Pirates would see more of on their schedule. Names like the Yankees and Red Sox are bound to bring big crowds to PNC Park. The Bucs could see a spike in attendance, and the Indians rivalry would bring Tribe fans and Pirate fans out more.

Starkey, after hearing your argument I can say it is a well thought-out idea that would make sense. Although I think you would lose the argument for this one reason, TRADITION. The Pirates have been in the National League since they were established in 1887. To move a team like the Bucs from 125 years of National League baseball and start them in the American League might cause a backlash by Pirates fans and some may choose to separate themselves from the team due to the loss of tradition. I hope a move to the NL East comes in the future, but I don't see them being an AL Team.