No matter whether the Pirates score four home runs with a victory or go hitless in defeat, it's all the same amount of work for those operating the fireworks.

While the Pirates are playing their best baseball at this point in the season since 2005, members of the Stankus family always have to be at their best — every season.

Chuck Stankus, of Washington County, has been a sub-contractor for New Castle-based Zambelli Fireworks for nearly 25 years. He has been part of the crew that rotates and works the Pirates home games since 1992.

It's a crew that is made up of several members of his family, including his wife of 32 years, Sandy, son, Derric, daughter, Torrie, brother, nephew, and his daughter's godmother and godfather.

"He's always been into fireworks and I just kinda married into it," Sandy said.

Every home game, the fireworks are brought on to the setup spot located on the Pittsburgh River Rescue dock, just outside PNC Park. Family members prepare enough material to celebrate four Pirates home runs and a win.

Never over the past 18 years have they run out of gunpowder before the home team: The Pirates have been at the bottom of the league the last couple seasons, finishing with the league's second-fewest home runs last year and the fewest the year before.

"They have only (ever) had four home runs and a win, and we have never needed more," Chuck Stankus said. "So that's what we bring, but we are always ready to work no matter what."

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