Pittsburgh Pirates: Appreciation Post for Greg Brown

There is something extra special when it comes to turning on the television or radio and hearing Greg Brown calling a Pittsburgh Pirates game.

Pittsburgh Pirates play-by-play man Greg Brown is one of the best in the business at what he does. His calls make the game more interesting and much more memorable.

When thinking of classic Pittsburgh Pirates moments in prior years, most fans can remember the Brown call word for word that went with those moments. Let’s talk about some of his best work.

(click link to listen to Greg Brown’s call)

July 11, 2015: Pirates vs Cardinals

What a game this was for the city of Pittsburgh and Pirates fans everywhere. The Bucs rallied on multiple occasions in that game and everyone knows how it ended. Pittsburgh was down 5-4 in the 14th when the heart and soul of the city, Andrew McCutchen, stepped up to the plate. Cutch sent a two-run bomb out to center which sent the crowd and Greg Brown into a frenzy. As the ball took flight, you could tell that Brown wasn’t so sure if it would clear the wall. However, as soon as it did he went crazy. “You can raise the Jolly Roger and call it maybe the best all-time in Pittsburgh. What a game!” He was right, what a game.

July 12, 2015: Pirates vs Cardinals

It’s pretty hard to have been able to top what happened the night before, but the Pirates and Greg Brown did just that. After rallying in extra innings yet again, Gregory Polanco had a chance to come through for his team with the bases loaded in a 5-5 game. “The stretch by Rosenthal, the pitch…” Brown said. Every fan in the stadium was on their feet as the pitch was delivered. Polanco ripped a single to right field and chaos ensued. “Swing and a line drive! They’ve done it again! This place is a mob scene! It’s chaos! Pandemonium!” Brown managed to say. Chills.

July 9th, 2016: Pirates vs Cubs

One night after the much-anticipated debut for Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates fans packed into PNC Park to catch another glimpse of their future. Bell had a pinch hit single the night before and made another appearance on this night to pinch hit with the bases loaded in the fifth inning. Fans all across the park pulled out their phones to film what would end up being a classic moment. It is almost like they knew that something special was going to happen. On a 1-1 pitch, Bell obliterated a ball that almost cleared the right field seats for a grand slam. “Stand up and ring your bell! It’s a Grand Slam for Josh Bell!” Brown yelled. It was a storybook moment for Bell and it gave us a classic Greg Brown call.

May 28, 2004: Pirates vs Cubs

Not a whole lot needs to be said for this one. Rob Mackowiak crushed a walk-off grand slam that sent Brown into a hilarious state of mind. “Mack, whack, tallywack, give that dog a bone!” Brown said. This proves why he is one of the best at what he does.

October 1, 2013: Pirates vs Reds

It had been 20 years since the Pittsburgh Pirates have last been in the postseason, and Bucco fans were ready to make a difference in the 2013 Wildcard game. The loud chants of Cueto were raining in from the crowd as Johnny Cute tried to collect himself. All Pittsburgh Pirates fans know what happened next. Cueto dropped the ball, the crowd got even louder, and Russell Martin hit a home run on the next pitch. This moment led to a Greg Brown call for the ages. He was using some sort of odd accent as he made the call, and it was one that fans will not forget.

The list can go on and on with Brown and his classic calls, but these are some of the very best. Brown makes the game fun and entertaining, which is exactly how it should be. Every team deserves an announcer like Greg Brown.

Thank you, Greg Brown, for all of the classic moments. We look forward to hearing many more great calls and “cannonballs coming” in the future.

What is your favorite Greg Brown call? Tell us about it in the comments below!