Behold the inning-by-inning instructions Pirates fans created to get in Jake Arrieta's head
Pirates fans create cheers to taunt Arrieta
As we have learned, Pirates fans take the NL Wild Card Game presented by Budweiser very, very seriously. In 2013, famously, the PNC Park faithful got in the head of then-Reds starter Johnny Cueto, chanting his name until he dropped the ball on the mound:
Now, in 2015, Pirates fans have left nothing to chance: They've become a highly-organized machine designed to wreak havoc on Cubs starter Jake Arrieta's mind.
Before Wednesday's matchup, fans unveiled these instruction cards detailing an inning-by-inning strategy for taunting the dominant right-hander:
Hoooo boy pic.twitter.com/pc4zFBtzoC
- Torque Penderloin (@AndrewCieslak) October 7, 2015
Strangely, despite the fact that the card claims to come via local TV affiliate KDKA, the station denies any involvement (although they do appreciate the humor):
FYI, despite someone putting our name on this list, we did not create it. http://t.co/w2Dpde6WfQ https://t.co/mlMP9kPqYc
- KDKA (@CBSPittsburgh) October 7, 2015
Regardless of the card's mysterious origins, it's clear the fans will stick with their tried-and-true method of intimidatingly chanting the starter's last name. But, they're also mixing in a few new moves -- including synchronized hand waving and high-pitched whistling.
Arrieta put together a Cy Young-worthy season, so it's entirely possible PNC Park won't be able to shake his concentration -- but if anyone can do it, it's those Pittsburgh fans.