A far-from-impossible convergence of circumstances during the Group of 20 international financial summit next week could result in the following:
With Downtown essentially being closed to vehicular traffic during the G-20, occurring Sept. 24 and 25 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, many businesses are curtailing or canceling operations.
Not the Pirates. They have taken a "Play Ball!" approach at PNC Park and will play their Sept. 24 afternoon game against the Reds as scheduled.
The ballpark is located about two blocks from the officially designated G-20 North Shore protest area. That distance probably could be covered in less time than it takes an overmatched Bucco to strike out.
Consider that for a moment. The folks at the Thomas Merton Center, the Garfield organization coordinating many anti-G-20 activities, have thought about it.
Regarding a potential protesters' trip to the ballpark, Merton spokeswoman Melissa Minnich said, "Nothing is organized at the moment, but the idea has come up among myself and some of my friends. That's one of the few places guaranteed to be open."
Might protesters then be tempted to trek to the ballpark to vehemently decry the policies of the oppressors while perhaps catching a pierogie race?
"I really don't think I could comment on that," Minnich said.
Note that she didn't categorically rule it out.
While the game is in no danger of selling out, there are several advantages to demonstrators collectively purchasing their tickets prior to game day.
The Pirates offer preferred seating to groups of 20 (can you believe it?) or more. Those groups also get recognized on the scoreboard during the game.
Protesters probably could get boffo box seats where they would enjoy superior views of our inferior team, as well as a Jumbotron greeting something along these lines:
"THE PIRATES EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO ALL G-20 AGITATORS FUTILELY ATTEMPTING TO CONVERT OTHERS TO THEIR OVERLY IDEALISTIC WORLD VIEW."
Such a moment likely would linger long in the mind of anyone indignantly railing against the perceived injustices of monolithic war-mongerers.
Even if they buy their tickets just prior to the first pitch, don't be surprised if demonstrators mingle with demoralized Pirates fans next week. Don't be shocked if a bit of baseball history is made as well.
To the best of my knowledge, no world leader has ever been hung in effigy during the seventh-inning stretch.