Ravens vs. Steelers: A Family Divided

When the Colts left town under the dark of night in 1984, Dave Polanowski, like most Baltimore Ravens fans, couldn’t bring himself to root for owner Robert Irsay’s organization or the city that stole the team.

“First, I went with the Redskins for two years, and then I chose the Steelers,” Polanowski said.

So Polanowski, the benefits and sustainability coordinator for United Steelworkers Local 9477 at Sparrows Point, was in a tough spot when the Ravens arrived and began play in the same division as Pittsburgh. He decided to stick with the Steelers.

“Yeah, I get a hard time at work about it,” he said with a smile.

It’s not any different at home. His wife Karen, of course, is a hardcore Ravens fan like nearly everyone else in Dundalk.

Together, the couple has seven daughters from previous marriages. Polanowski’s five daughters are all Steelers fans. His wife’s two daughters are Ravens fans.

“We each have two living at home,” Karen said. “So it’s evenly divided [when the Ravens and Steelers play], three and three.”

The Polanowskis admit that on those Sundays when the two teams play, the cheering gets pretty partisan in the house. (At Saturday night’s 9/11 memorial event at , Dave Polanowksi wore a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey while Karen wore a purple Ravens’ shirt, staking out their territory early for Sunday’s game).

“When the Steelers score, I kick a little field goal in living room,” Polanowski said.

His wife and her daughters respond to Ravens’ touchdowns with in-your-face high-fives.

Asked for a prediction, Karen predicted a close game, a 21-14 Baltimore win.

Polanowski emphatically answered 21-3. Steelers.

“See, that how he goes,” said his wife, shaking her head.

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