Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates Social Media Round-up: IMHO, First Responders and an MLB Debut

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Alan Draper
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Sports Editor
5 min read

Just two weeks into the season and the Pittsburgh Pirates sit atop the NL Central with a 6-1 record – their best start since 1976.

But they did lose that one game to the Twins, for which Steven Brault humbly apologized:

IMHO

If you haven’t listened to the IMHO podcast, created and hosted by none other than Pittsburgh Pirates pitchers Trevor Williams and Brault, clear some time in your schedule and catch up on back episodes. They talk about a lot – video games, cereal, music, the list goes on and on (notice I didn’t mention baseball, that’s because they keep shop talk to a minimum).  It’s fun, quirky, and entertaining. But don’t get too dependent on regular episodes as the baseball season has started. Their statement:

Mad props for the shoutout to the “Dudets” who tune in!

Notice the “weather” reference. Williams, a California native who makes his off-season home in Arizona, is a little weather-obsessed. It’s understandable, I mean, snow on opening day is a tragedy. But he tried to meet it with a warm heart (and maybe a Christmas carol or two):

Fellow pitcher Josh Smoker also had snow on his mind…

Williams pitched last night in the midst of a very cold very steady rain. Wearing only shirtsleeves, he had this to say after the win:

It is Supposed to be a Game After All

You can’t find a player more enthusiastic about his sport than Francisco Cervelli. Last year he seemed a bit beaten down, especially as injuries mounted and he wasn’t on the field. This season, there’s a spring in his step that is undeniable. And it’s so great to see.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhHJWMQh8VD/?hl=en&taken-by=fran_cervelli

Felipe Rivero is enjoying being back in the Burgh and soaking up the sun anyway he can…

Thank You First Responders

On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Pirates will honor first responders at PNC Park – and in advance of the celebration, some of the guys (and their kids) paid a visit to the Deutschtown Fire Station in Pittsburgh recently.

Elias Diaz enjoyed himself immensely…

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhMp4Hjl4-I/?hl=en&taken-by=eliasdiaz29

(Rough translation: Working PA firefighters, Nice experience saving lives, it’s not easy the responsibility they have.)

As did Edgar Santana, who says that now he’s an official firefighter (which is true, he just puts out fires of a different sort).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhMyHxfB3j7/?hl=en&taken-by=edgarsantana37

Welcome to the Show!

One of the most heartwarming moments is baseball is when a player makes his big league debut. Amidst the thrashing of the Cincinnati Reds last night, that happened for pitcher Clay Holmes. Holmes was originally called up for the double-header in Detroit, but was sent back down to the minors when the team headed to the Burgh. But, #BecauseBaseball, he wouldn’t stay in Indy long – getting recalled when starter Joe Musgrove went to the DL. And last night, he got the call in the bullpen that he’d be heading in the game during the eighth. He pitched the final two innings, giving up two hits and one run, walking two and striking out two.

The only disappointment about Holmes’ start was that AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh wasn’t broadcasting the game that night and therefore, the usual fanfare afforded by Pirates broadcasters for such a  special moment was sadly absent. Here’s hoping that the crew gives him a little love during the pre-game show tonight.

Holmes had a lot of support from his teammates, many of whom have played alongside him for a few seasons in the Pirates farm system.

While Corey Dickerson has a few years of major league service under his belt, his family welcomed a new player recently – who he proudly showed off with wife, Beth Anne and his other little cutie on the field at PNC.

On Deck…

That’s it for our Social Media Round-up this week – catch us here every Saturday at noon.

The Pittsburgh Pirates take on the Cincinnati Reds today at 7:05 p.m. at PNC Park. Have a great weekend and #LetsGoBucs!

Finally

Because I believe in leaving on a high note, I’m going to end this piece with something uplifting each week. By now everyone is familiar with usher Phil Coyne, who at 99, with over 88-years of service to the Pirates, has decided to hang up his khakis and Pirates windbreaker and call it a career. The Pirates will honor him, deservedly so, on his 100th birthday later this month. Thanks for everything, Phil!

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Alan Draper

Alan is a vastly experienced sports and gambling writer who is the Chief Editor of The Sports Daily.
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Alan Draper

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Alan is a vastly experienced sports and gambling writer who is the Chief Editor of The Sports Daily.
View All Posts By Alan Draper
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