Category Archives: pittsburgh

Why it’s ‘Steelers Nation’

I root for the Steelers, not just one of them.

There are many Steelers fans across this nation and world, not just one fan. That great group of Steelers fans are known as Steelers Nation.

But it seems some of those fans need a grammar lesson. Over the last few weeks, there has been much debate on some blogs and throughout Twitter about whether we are known as Steelers Nation or Steeler Nation.

Let’s take a look at some facts:

  • The Steelers organization officially is known as the “Steelers.”
  • The Steelers organization officially recognizes its fans as “Steelers Nation.”

Let’s take a look at grammar:

  • The names of sports teams are treated as plurals. For example, it’s the New York Yankees, the Pittsburgh Pirates.

What does all of this mean? Any use of the word “Steeler” is incorrect. Period.

This isn’t my opinion. This is a fact. It is grammatically incorrect to call anybody or group of people a “Steeler.”

Ben Roethlisberger is the Steelers quarterback (note: Steelers is not possessive). Steelers coach Mike Tomlin came to Pittsburgh from the Vikings. My friend in Houston watches games at a Steelers bar.

This isn’t a matter of what you think is right. This is a matter of what is correct.

Yes, I heard the Rooneys and Tomlin say “Steeler Nation.” Doesn’t mean it’s correct. Doesn’t mean I dislike any of them for saying it.

I realize many folks do not understand how grammar works. I don’t get science. But the use of grammar and the English language are things I’ve spent a lot of time studying — not to mention I get paid to know it.

My next quest: Getting people to type “Super Bowl” and not “Superbowl.”

Wouldn’t you rather be a nation of many than a nation of one?

Remembering B94 [10/05/07]

B94 v2.0 would have turned three years old today.

I remember everything about that afternoon, and still listen to the station’s awesome introduction.

At 4:50 p.m. Friday, I slipped slipped out of the office and into the car. For the next 10 minutes, it was nothing but a nervous reaction, listening to “Last Christmas.”

Would it B? Or would it not B? That was the question.

Slowly, the Christmas carols stopped and a buzzing noise was heard. Then, an introduction to the new station began by describing what the channel has been, beginning in 1981.

And then, yinzers… a voice proudly announced that, after three years away…B94 is back!!!!!!!!!!

I had tears. Kid you not.

A little piece of me died in 2004 when B94 stopped buzzing. Hell, when it became BZZ and all that crap, a lot of me died.

And, within a few minutes… 93.7 brought “sexy back” to Pittsburgh.

Everyone who has ever lived in Pittsburgh knows what B94 is. Everyone in Pittsburgh can sing “John, Dave, Bubba and Shelly, John, Dave, Bubba and Shelly.”

The voice of B94 proudly said, “Pittsburgh, please welcome home your B94!”

But B94 is gone, taken away by corporate giants.

I’ll always hold a special place for B94 and everybody who made it a success.

Pitts_urgh.