RICHMOND, Va. -- The crazy thing about doing "true" sports comics, especially about games and events that took place well over a century ago, is that you can never be quite sure of the veracity of the (often slight) facts that exist. Not being able to verify those details can be frustrating, but occasionally, a tale is so wild that you can't resist telling it anyway!
Such is the case with the legend Fred Carroll's monkey, allegedly buried beneath home plate in Recreation Park, before the very first game the franchise that is now known as the Pittsburgh Pirates ever played as a member of the National League, 137 years ago. I don't know what the Rockies, Marlins or Diamondback did to kick off their inaugural NL seasons (and believe me, I looked), but I can guarantee it wasn't as bizarre as a simian funeral around the batter's box!
Likewise, I'm sure the festivities leading up to 4:12 PM on Friday at PNC Park will be far less inexplicable, but nonetheless celebratory, as the currently undefeated Buccos kick off the home slate for 2024. Monkey or not, I'll definitely be tuning in!
ROB ULLMAN / DKPS
For prints and books, visit my site and/or the DK Pittsburgh Sports HQ/shop at 224 Fifth Avenue, Downtown!
