Opening day is now just eight days away, and the Pirates are in pure grind mode. Cuts are happening at regular intervals now, and the squad is starting to take shape. Francisco Cervelli is so excited about it; he just had to dance.
That Friday feeling with @fran_cervelli https://t.co/Bi3fu8jauG
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 25, 2016
Several players were also spotted dancing during Latino Night at Pirate City.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDUHg8IpovC/?taken-by=gpolanco25
Although at every dance, there’s always that one group of guys who are just happy to hang out and watch.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDWidEmpopa/?taken-by=gpolanco25
Andrew McCutchen is hitting dingers on a regular basis now, flaunting ‘That MVP Swing.”
Some old friends visited camp last week, including 1979 World Series Champ Omar Moreno.
Tim Neverett popped over to say hello to both the baseball and broadcast teams when the Pirates played the Red Sox on Friday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDZDxITRZyR/?taken-by=timneverett
As the season starts up, the Buccos are starting to get their endorsement deals and sponsorships all in place. Here’s just a sampling of what the guys have going on:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDWuMmfjgF0/?taken-by=sdew0405
Prepare for greatness. @TheCUTCH22 #CUTCH22 #Cherry pic.twitter.com/HI69UChuif
— Marucci (@MarucciSports) March 23, 2016
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDWtJAWuoyz/?taken-by=fran_cervelli
This video of Cervelli is a promo piece celebrating his relationship with the New Balance brand. They also published an interesting article about his perspective on what it’s like to be a starting catcher.
Cervy has had quite a busy week. Ever the host with the most, he had a visit with fellow Venezuelan and CNN Espanol anchor/host Mariale Requena and her family…
Gracias @fran_cervelli por tu simpatía, humildad y por poner en alto el nombre de Venezuela día a día @Pirates pic.twitter.com/NWxhmASU8M
— María Alejandra Requena (@MRequenaoficial) March 23, 2016
…as well as a visit from some of his own family (mom and sister).
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDNl2sWOo-n/?taken-by=fran_cervelli
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDSzQZZOoze/?taken-by=fran_cervelli
He also got hit up by child Model Gaby Moreno to buy a pirates-themed bracelet. She sold them to the McCutchens and Harrisons last week. By the looks of it, Cervelli was more than happy to oblige.
https://twitter.com/GabyMthemodel/status/711346877007011841
Jordy Mercer may have been giving social media followers a hint about some walk-up music for this season. He’s very excited for the new album Therapy Session by Christian rapper/hip hop artist NF. His music is featured on the Madden Football 16 soundtrack.
NF-Intro 2…yikes!!! @nfrealmusic #TherapySession
— Jordy Mercer (@jordy_mercer) March 25, 2016
Could “Intro 2” be Mercer’s intro at PNC?
Mark Melancon apparently has a drone and has been using it to catch some wild footage of McKechnie Field. He’s got a future in directing if he was able to get that bird to do that on cue.
My latest drone video @Pirates Spring Training 2016 by #AirVūz via @AirVuz https://t.co/omzTPaH9lj #Baseball #mlb #video
— Mark Melancon (@Mark_Melancon_) March 24, 2016
While the Pirates make everyday look like a field day – there were some serious moments this week as well. Sean Rodriguez tweeted his support for the recent efforts of Autism Speaks to spread awareness, a cause and organization close to his heart since his son, Sean Jr. was diagnosed with the disorder in 2011.
RT if you do too! Don't forget to Light It Up Blue on April 2nd: https://t.co/X9zub866PX #mondaymotivation #liub pic.twitter.com/eciRPMDMKq
— autism speaks (@autismspeaks) March 21, 2016
And the Pirates said their final goodbyes to baseball legend and one time Bucco Joe Garagiola.
We are saddened to hear of the loss of former Pirate Joe Garagiola. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. pic.twitter.com/Mdr43sVSnB
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 23, 2016
In The Media
Check out the article Pittsburgh Magazine published on Francisco Cervelli and his “amore” for the City of Champions.
If you’re the type who loves a heartwarming baseball story, don’t miss Adam Berry’s feature on the Ngoepe brothers Gift and Victor, the first two South African players signed by a MLB team. Both are playing in the Pirates farm system this season.
And if you’re a fan of the art of baseball and live in the Pittsburgh area, make time to visit the Harris Theater before Friday, April 1st to catch a screening of the movie Fastball. This MLB film, narrated by Kevin Costner, delves into the greatest pitch of them all to answer the age old question, whose fastball was the fastest? The film features physicist Gregg Franklin from Carnegie Mellon University as well.
Catch us next week when we’ll be just one day out from the beginning of the 2016 season!
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