At 78 years of age, Lila Jean West has loved the Pirates for nearly all her life. On Monday night, West, dressed warmly in a Pirates coat and covered by a Pirates blanket, braved a cold January evening to attend the team's annual winter caravan at Uniontown Mall.

"It feels like I'm in heaven," West said as she clutched a small black book filled with autographs of Pirates greats such as Willie Stargell, Ralph Kiner and Bill Mazeroski.

West, who lives in Uniontown, not only added to her autograph collection, she was also able to spend a few minutes talking with current Pirates Neil Walker, Jeff Karstens and James McDonald, as well as pitching coach Ray Searage.

"Ever since they started doing this, I've been coming," West said. "I'll always root for them, and I hope they win."

West was one of hundreds of Pirates fans who gathered for the annual meet-and-greet at the Uniontown Mall.

For fans such as West, the caravan gives them a chance to get a close look at some of their favorite Pirates.

For the players and coaches, the caravan provides an opportunity for them to interact with some of their most dedicated supporters.

"It's awesome to see so many fans out in January," Pirates second baseman Neil Walker said.

Walker, a Pittsburgh native, hit .296 last season with 12 home runs and 66 RBI.

For McDonald, a pitcher acquired last season from the Los Angeles Dodgers, the chance to spend a little time with Pirates fans was something he enjoyed.

"It's easy for me to come out and do things like this because the fans support us throughout the season," McDonald said.

McDonald started 11 games with the Pirates last season, posting a 4-5 record with 61 strikeouts and a 3.52 ERA.

Karstens, who will be entering his fourth season with the Pirates after posting a 3-10 record last year, enjoys the fact that the organization takes time to reach out to the fans.

"It means a lot, because not very often do we get to interact with the fans during the season," Karstens said. "When we have time like this, I think it is beneficial for everybody."

Searage, who will be the pitching coach on new manager Clint Hurdle's staff, looks forward to hearing from the fans not only at events like the Pirates Caravan, but throughout the season as well.

"We love the roar of the crowd," Searage said. "It's good to meet the people of the tri-state area."

Although the Pirates have struggled for a number of seasons, the fans always have room for optimism. The players feel the same way.

"We have a good young team, and I'm fortunate to be a part of it," Walker said.

Karstens is hoping that the team can build its solid play late in the 2010 season.

"People are excited to see what we can do," Karstens said. "We have a new (manager), and we made big strides in September (12 wins) and that was huge for us."

West, the longtime fan who has rooted for the team through thick and thin, offered her prediction for the 2011 season.

"I think with the new coach, they might be better," West said.

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