For Pittsburgh sports fans, December 21, 2022 was eerily similar to April 9, 2001.
Steelers’ legend Franco Harris died Wednesday, just two days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception and just three days before his number 32 is retired by the Steelers during a game at Acrisure Stadium against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Pirates’ legend Willie Stargell died just two days after his statue was unveiled outside PNC Park. The new park opened on the day that Stargell died, shocking Bucs fans.
What was to be a celebration became an impromptu memorial for “Pops”, who led the Pirates to the 1979 World Champions.
Now, what was to be a celebration of Franco and the Immaculate Reception will now be a somber event.
Both men were critical in turning Pittsburgh into the “City of Champions.”
Harris was known for his generosity and charity just as much if not more compared to his play on the field.
He told Forbes that it was Stargell who gave him the advice he would carry with him through the rest of his life.
“‘When you’re out and about and you’re working and dealing with the public, how you act is very important,” a quote from Harris said in a tribute piece by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “Always act like you have your little brother by your side and you want to set a good example for him.’ I took that and even applied it toward my business.”
Two beloved giants of sports and community, tied together by their teams and their adopted city.
Already both members of their respective Hall of Fames, on Saturday Harris’ number will join Stargell’s when it’s retired by the franchise they gave so much to.