Nearly halfway through a 15th losing season, a group called Fans For Change encouraged Pittsburgh Pirates patrons to leave their seats at tonight's game at PNC Park to show public displeasure with Pirates management.

With the Pirates leading 6-1 after three innings, there was a mixed reaction in the ballpark. On cue, fans did get up and make a bee-line for the concourses. The exodus occurred in both the lower and upper decks, but most of the estimated 22,000 fans stayed in their seats. Some of them chanted "Let's Go Bucs" and booed their disgruntled fellow fans.

Still, organizers viewed the night as a victory simply because it called attention to the organization's disappointing performance.

"It's more than symbolism. This is the wake-up call. This sends a message," said Andy Chomos, who led the exit after organizing the grass-roots protest on the Internet last month. "I'm ticked off. We want to see meaningful baseball in August and September again."

Prior to the game, several hundred supporters of Fans For Change rallied outside Hi-Tops on Federal Street. Police were on hand to shoo the crowd back onto the sidewalk after it spilled into the street. A bobblehead doll was smashed in the street as a way of telling management that real baseball fans are tired of giveaways and want to see quality baseball again.

Bob Nutting, the chairman of the Pirates, issued a statement yesterday admitting this year's record has been a disappointment while acknowledging the passion of the fans who were organizing tonight's gesture.

"Frankly, we all share in the frustration," said Mr. Nutting.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

First Published: July 1, 2007, 12:45 a.m.