Pittsburgh Sports Fandom!

When we think of local history, what usually comes to the minds of Pittsburghers is the fort at the Point, Braddock's crossing on the Mon below what is now Kennywood Park or the hey-day of steel production.
We usually don't relate our history to our sports let alone the history of our "Fandom" and how we celebrate our teams.

On Saturday, May 12, the Heinz History Center honored Robert Garritano with the Ray Mansfield Humanitarian Award. Robert was better known to Pittsburghers, especially Steeler fans as the "Terrible Fan." Few knew Robert's name but if you were conscious or even slightly coherent in Pittsburgh in the 1980's, you saw the "Terrible Fan" costume and the games in and around Three Rivers Stadium.

Congratulations Robert! You've given us a great character to cheer and celebrate with. We'll learn more about you and the rest of Pittsburgh's sports fan icons later soon.