What once started as a misprinted shirt has now brought the Pittsburgh Pirates a new tradition. Fanatics Sportsbook supposedly wanted to create a shirt that read, “Hoist the colors.” However, it was apparently printed as, “Hoist the cone.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ “Hoist the Cone” tradition was initiated by outfielder Jake Mangum, who requested a traffic cone for the dugout during a series against the Cincinnati Reds in March. Mangum held up the cone, which then sparked the home run celebration.

Players and fans have shared numerous videos and photos of the cone being hoisted to celebrate wins and home runs. The hashtag #HoistTheCone is now trending.

Fans in the stands then began to steal traffic cones off the streets to bring to the Pirates games to hold up in the stands. This could actually turn into a traffic problem in Pittsburgh if everyone continues stealing the cones.

The borough of Jefferson Hills posted on social media, acknowledging the Pirates trend but telling people to leave traffic cones where they are. ABM Parking Services’ Mid-Atlantic district manager told KDKA-TV that 25 cones were stolen on opening day. 

Another home run celebration that the Pirates adopted this season is the welding mask. Both the cone and the mask symbolize the city’s blue collar, steel industry history. They also are used to show the team’s hard-working mentality.

These two props could become permanent celebrations for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The mask was sourced by bullpen catcher Adam Hall, who secured one that actually belonged to a real steelworker named Dave Stephenson, an ironworker at the Mon Valley Works-Irvin Plant with 22 years of experience.

The Pirates had an underwhelming last season, so with the team already trending upwards, these celebrations will only enhance the atmosphere at the ball games. They will add team chemistry for the players and hopefully help them play even better.