Adams Township family gets surprise visit from Sidney Crosby
Gary Basilone has no idea how it happened, but he and his family got a visit from Sidney Crosby on Monday, Sept. 16.
Basilone, formerly of Mars and now of Ross Township, said his daughter, Brittany Clayton, got word a Pittsburgh Penguin would personally deliver their season tickets Monday, which is a tradition the team has done for fans since 2007. Basilone said the family, which includes Clayton; her husband, Marc Clayton; and son, Parker Clayton, was elated to meet the team’s captain.
“The Penguins had called Marc and said we’re going to deliver your season tickets. Everyone was saying, ‘We hope it’s Crosby,’” Basilone said. “On a scale of 1 to 10, it was 150.”
Crosby headlined the group of Penguins that traveled around on Monday to get some face time with fans, according to the Penguins’ website. Basilone said he was aware the Penguins chose a few season ticket holders each year to pay a special visit to, but he does not know why the Claytons were selected.
Crosby’s friendly demeanor made the occasion even more memorable, especially for young Parker, who is a hockey player himself. Basilone said Crosby spent time talking to Parker first, then spoke with the rest of the people at the Claytons’ house before signing autographs.
“He talked to my grandson; spent the first two minutes talking in reference to playing hockey,” Basilone said. “He shook hands with everyone inside ... he was so kind.”
After meeting with everyone, Crosby posed for photos on the porch, about which he also was pleasant and accommodating, Basilone said.
According to the Penguins’ team reporter, Brittany Clayton teared up during the visit with Crosby.
“It’s emotional! It’s like he’s such a trademark for the city,” Brittany Clayton said. “We’re proud of him … he’s one of our own.”
