PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – While Todd Frazier is a new Pirate. He’s had several memorable moments in Pittsburgh.
Wild Card Frenzy
Frazier was the starting third baseman for the 2013 Cincinnati Reds, hitting 19 home runs that season along with 29 doubles. He started at third base in the Wild Card game at PNC Park.
“I tell people this,” Frazier said from Bradenton, Florida. “I’ve played in some crazy high-atmosphere playoff games. Yankee Stadium, can’t beat it of course. But the one that is right there is that Wild Card game we played against Pittsburgh when I was with the Reds.”
“I’m telling you. It was all black. There wasn’t even any yellow. It was pitch black. I remember pinpointing one person out who had a red jersey on and I signed one autograph and then they started booing me.”
Frazier made a diving catch in that game and had a hit, but knew it was the Pirates night.
“It was so electric,” Frazier said. “It felt like I was at a soccer match in Europe. That’s how crazy it was. Johnny Cueto dropped the ball and they were all over him.
When pressed as to if the fans got to Cueto as many here believe. Frazier didn’t want to stir the pot, but did tell us this of how the crowd impacted the Reds starter.
“I know it didn’t help.”
”It was unbelievable atmosphere,” Frazier said. “I wish I could have played a couple of more (playoffs) games there. Hopefully I get to.”
PNC Park
It’s the only place he’s hit over .300 in his career (.307, other than going 2-4 in one game at SunLife Stadium). Frazier has hit 8 home runs in 37 starts at PNC Park. His 23 career RBIs are the most in any park that wasn’t his home.
“I loved every second about it,” Frazier said of playing along the Allegheny. “I saw the numbers two days ago. I knew I was a good hitter there. I remember my hitting coach at home telling me, ‘you’re going back to Pittsburgh, this is where you rake’.”
“It’s exciting. It’s all about comfort. For me, when I step into the box I feel really good. No matter who was pitching.”
Saved a Life
Memorial Day, 2012 the Reds were visiting Pittsburgh and Frazier was out to eat with teammate Ryan Ludwick at the Capital Grille. When out of the corner of his eye, he noticed someone choking.
He said after 20 or so seconds he decided he had to go do something. On the second try of the Heimlich maneuver, Frazier was able to pop a piece of steak out of his mouth.
“It was unbelievable,” Frazier said. “Just right place. Right time. I’m glad I saved that guy’s life. It was a surreal night. Crazy”
Frazier never heard from the man again, but did get an award from the procedure’s founder, Henry Heimlich, in Cincinnati, after he heard about the story.
Number change
For his career, Todd Frazier has worn number 21. That will change this year with Roberto Clemente’s number retired.
“Deserving so, there are no arguments here,” Frazier said of changing his number, which is currently 99.
Brown-isms
Before leaving the Zoom call, Frazier spotted that Pirates broadcaster Greg Brown was listening in. He called him out.
“Ever since I was with the Reds, hearing you say ‘the real deal Neil Walker’ and all that stuff,” Frazier said. “You have some of the best saying out there. If I make this team. I’m hoping for a good one from you. I’m putting you on blast.”
“You got to start thinking down the road. Yankees guy had a good one for me too. I’m going to need something special.”