#BUCTOBER

Source: behance.net

Since the Pirates play tomorrow, I felt it was only appropriate to look at all Buccos fans favorite hashtag: #BUCTOBER.

For those of you who don't know, the Pirates will face the Giants on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. at PNC Park for the National League Wild Card Game.

And in case you haven't heard, Cutch is calling for a blackout.

3 words... BLACK...IT...OUT!
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) September 29, 2014

The Pirates clinched the Wild Card Game last week against the Braves, which immediately followed the social explosion of #BUCTOBER.

Hurdle's powers bring #BUCTOBER showers. http://t.co/fhHf63NYQk
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 24, 2014

 I think the Pirates do a fantastic job with their social media efforts (mainly Twitter). Here's why:

1. Fan engagement
If you take a look the Pittsburgh Pirates Twitter page, you will obviously find tweets of their own but you will also see a lot of retweets and/or replies to fans. This interaction mainly occurs before, after and in between games (obviously). Fans are especially excited leading up to tomorrow's game, so the Pirates are making sure they acknowledge the fans excitement for the game. If I got a retweet from the Pirates, I know I would be even more excited for the game!

2. Awesome graphics/videos
The Pirates are very consistent with the graphics they post before and after games. They always post a preview graphic, highlighting a specific player and important stats to know. The post game graphic is simple, clean and to the point. It includes an action shot of a player and the score. Their videos after the game against the Braves came from their Vine and/or Instagram account. They were an inside peak of the locker room celebration, which who wouldn't want to see that?

RECAP: #Pirates are heading back to #postseason after comeback win over Braves! http://t.co/p3Ns2F45F0 #RAISEIT pic.twitter.com/SHntuVDFjE
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 24, 2014

Bringing it back! #Buctober https://t.co/8A5r6vIBSI
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 24, 2014

 3. Always on their Twitter game
If you follow them on Twitter, you know that they are constantly tweeting. Some people may find it annoying, but I think it's the perfect amount. They build hype prior to games, disperse important information about games, players and events, live-tweet during games, tweet post-game press conference quotes... the list could go on and on! Their tweets are usually clever and catchy too, which I think is awesome. Short clever tweets are what capture our attention as we scroll through our Twitter feed.

Leave some of your thoughts on their social media below!

#BUCTOBER RETURNS!!!! pic.twitter.com/gt3t63j3V8
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 24, 2014