The Pirates are limping toward the finish of the 2019 season with MLB writer Adam Berry telling the Fan Morning show Thursday that some players are staying professional but are looking forward to the end of the season.
But there are a few bright rays on sunshine.
Rookie Bryan Reynolds is one of the best hitters baseball this year with an average of .320 and short stop Kevin Newman isn’t far behind batting .316.
Starling Marte is having one of his best offensive years in the big leagues and Josh Bell has 116 RBI and is only three homers short of 40.
But the one thing that Pirates fans should really take time and enjoy these last few games is Steve Blass.
The World Series Champion and longtime broadcaster is hanging up his microphone at the end of the season and with that will come the loss of great baseball insight and incredibly entertaining stories.
While Blass really isn’t going anywhere (he still plans to be around the organization) it will be tough not hearing him during every home broadcast.
But even more important than the insight and entertaining stories is the man himself.
Blass is involved in many charitable causes in the area including Junior Achievement.
He has also taken time to meet with longtime fans who want to say goodbye throughout the year.
My mother is a longtime fan of Blass so for her birthday I asked Pirates broadcaster Greg Brown if Steve would be willing to meet her and without hesitation, Blass said “of course”.
Before Thursday’s afternoon game against the Seattle Mariners a man held up a sign that read:
These are the things that we will miss most about Steve, taking a moment to make someone’s day with a photo, an autograph, or maybe a simple story that leaves you laughing.
So let’s take these last couple weeks to celebrate the man that has been a Pirate for 60 years and will continue to be for life.