Top 3 Pittsburgh Pirates Moments Of The Decade

Moment #1 – Johnny Cueto Drops the Ball

I could watch this over and over again. Honestly, I have probably watched it close to 50 times since it has happened.

It’s 2013 and the Pirates are making their first playoff appearance in 20 years and they are in a one-game winner takes all situation. The winner of the Wild Card game would advance to a full postseason series.

Going into the game, many thought the Reds would win given Johnny Cueto’s career 1.80 ERA at PNC Park. The guy was lights out. But Pittsburgh natives took the matter into their own hands and rattled Cueto so much that he dropped the baseball, and then subsequently gave up a home run to Russell Martin. The Pirates would go on to beat the Reds 6-2 in dominant fashion. The game never felt in reach for the Reds after the Martin home run.

To be honest, this was one of the best moments in all of Pittsburgh sports during the previous decade, not just for the Pirates. Hell, it has become one of the most memorable moments in MLB history and certainly a top moment of the past decade. As longtime Pirate broadcaster Greg Brown said during the radio broadcast after the Pirates recorded the final out that night, “An unforgettable night, in the city of Pittsburgh. October the 1st, 2013, no one will ever forget this evening”.

With the all of the controversy and adversity of the past few seasons, its easy to forget about some of the incredible moments that this team did have. Entering into a new decade, with new, players, a new coach, and a new GM, the Pirates have work to do to get back to winning baseball. However, fans should never forget that this is what playoff baseball can be like in Pittsburgh. The fans here can be the best in the world and literally be a 10th man on the field when needed.

Here is to the best of the last ten years. Let’s hope that the next ten will be even better.