Here are the reactions of several Pittsburgh Pirates fans about the team finally having a winning season after 20 years by beating the Texas Rangers 1-0 Monday night.

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Now that the Pirates have clinched their first winning season after two decades, many Pittsburghers are happy and relieved.

As a lifelong Bucco fan, I share the happiness. For those of us dedicated fans, it has been a long drought. However, lost in that drought are the many highlights of great Pirates and memories in those losing seasons.

Which leads me to my main point that if you are a true Pirates fan and you love the game of baseball, the outcomes are not as important. And further, athletics teaches you that anyone can be a happy winner, but fewer people can accept the losses and maintain pride while knowing that they’ve done their best.

For those that have become Pirate fans after this great season, welcome to the club with a hope that you’ll stay with us for the next two decades.

Scott Petrak

Renfrew

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Having only lived in the Butler area for 12 years, I haven’t seen the whole 20 years of agonizing Pirates baseball that the team and fans have had to endure. I am truly excited about where this team has taken us this year.

Thanks Bucs for a great season and good luck in the playoffs.

John Snyder,

Harrisville

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The way the Buccos are going looks like they might have a chance to go to the World Series. I was only 2, going on 3, the last time they had a winning season.

Also the song, “We Are Family,” should be played in honor of Willie Stargell.

Cassie Pauley

Butler

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Since April 1, I’ve been posting to Facebook, original photos of a baseball (in specific locations) when we win. So far I’ve posted 81. It was my way of being optimistic in breaking the 20-year curse!

It’s been fun seeing other fan reaction to the pictures, and I now have a small following of fans from Pittsburgh, Ohio, Indiana and even St. Louis.

I’m going to attach a few for you to see.

Lets go Bucs!

Grace Bickert

Prospect

P.S. The enthusiasm is very contagious. My church, Trinity Lutheran, even had a Pirates tailgate event on Sunday to kick off our new Sunday school year. There were baseball games, treats and prizes.