Howard Bryant is a Class Act

We got a mention in the excellent article about the Pirates pathetic past 17 years.  It was written by Howard Bryant of ESPN.  Bryant nailed the topic better than anyone.  Stop and take a couple minutes to read it right now by clicking here.  You won’t be disappointed.

As we talked to Bryant, he praised the ball park, and the fans of Pittsburgh.  It was his first trip to PNC Park.  I have the sense it won’t be his last.

Please know that Bryant was told that Pittsburgh fans were ”enraged” that Sanchez and Wilson were traded.  He wanted to take the average fan and the season ticket holders take.  To say he was surprised, was an understatement.

The article includes random quotes from fans that to no surprise aren’t dedicated fans.  Just average fans that work in various places.  Some of those quotes are a little out there, that’s true.  The fact Bryant kept them in the article is a testament to his work.

"“Pittsburgh is not only a sports town, basking in the success of the Steelers and Penguins. It was — and is, die-hards say — first and foremost a baseball town…”Sculptor Susan Monroe was quoted in the story…” A lot of people don’t know who I am. Bronze needs to be polished every six months and when I’m working on the statues, people think I’m a janitor, which is fine. But I listen to them, to their stories, to what they say about how they were touched by Roberto and Willie Stargell, because they loved these men. That’s Pittsburgh.”"

Bryant and I had a great time discussing Andrew McCutchen.  Especially his base stealing selectiveness, Bryant shared that a young Oakland A’s team had those specific problems as well. 

And some of the players ”lost their soul.”  My heart stopped for a full twenty seconds when Bryant said that.

Bryant is a talented writer and as he said goodbye, he wished all of Pittsburgh the best.  So all the best Pittsburgh.  Enjoy the article, I think he nailed it.

The final score last night was 9-4 Cubs.  An awful first inning was the culprit.  Before the three outs were recorded, the Cubs had a 7-0 lead and the Pirates were coming to bat.  For the first time.

It is mind numbing watch this team play lately.  No breaks.  Can’t make a break and rarely get a break. The talent is lacking.

You know that though, you watch them play.

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Random entry from Katie…

Maybe one day some of the Pirates headed to Arizona to play ball soon will have a website selling uniforms like this one hawking a famous basketball player?
 

Maybe McCutchen will get a Nike logo like Mike one day?  Cutch can get up!

1994 Michael Jordan Scottsdale Scorpions Game-Used Comp
Lot 185: 1994 Michael Jordan Scottsdale Scorpions Game-Used Complete Road Uniform with Spikes, Batting Gloves, Cap & Wrist Band (8) ___The Scottsdale Scorpions are a minor league baseball team of the Arizona Fall League located in Scottsdale, Arizona. In 1994, the team gained worldwide media attention, when Michael Jordan began his professional baseball career by joining the Scorpions.