The Boys of Summer Show Signs of Life in Spring Training.
This was an exciting week in Pittsburgh Pirates baseball – players saw action on the field as spring training games officially started, sports heroes visited the clubhouse, and fans got their first glimpse of the team in game-time action with the first TV broadcast of the season on Root Sports.
Pitcher Jameson Taillon said it best…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCbAwxTlHD7/?taken-by=j_taillon19
The guys are still a little light on their social media efforts of late, but heavy on the happiness to finally be out doing what they love again – and maybe this time on a bigger stage…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCjZeXDOYWy/?taken-by=alenhanson
The first game of spring training is where players really get a chance to shake out the cobwebs and get back into the grind. Francisco Cervelli showed he was in mid-season form with a nice homer and Josh Harrison showed the press how much work he’s been putting in during the off-season on his aim…
Josh Harrison just fouled a ball onto the roof that found its way through a trap door, down the steps and into the press box. Impressive aim
— Bill Brink (@Bill_Brink2) March 1, 2016
Root Sports is broadcasting 12 spring training games this season and kicked things off Friday with the Buccos’ match against the Twins. And what better way to kick things off than a show starter from the pirate ship at McKechnie Field.
Here's @gbrowniepoints @ Bob getting ready to shoot the open to the show from the Pirate ship!
30 minutes away! -RI pic.twitter.com/sMnYcGE4t8
— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) March 4, 2016
Even though games have started, players are still working hard to get their bodies back in tune for the 162-game (plus!) season. And while Francisco Cervelli and off-season workout partner Melky Cabrera said adios and headed to camp with their respective teams, it looks like he’s found a suitable replacement.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCfilj_OoxV/?taken-by=fran_cervelli
And it seems the feeling is mutual.
Unbelievable teammate! https://t.co/QzHhhZBq8B
— Mark Melancon (@Mark_Melancon_) March 3, 2016
Some sports legends stopped by McKechnie over the week and the players, coaches, and broadcast team were just as starstruck as anyone else. University of Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh visited the clubhouse on March 2nd when he stopped by to serve as first base coach for the Tigers.
Thanks coach for stopping by today! @CoachJim4UM #GoBigBlue pic.twitter.com/HcLkHDMgf4
— Jordy Mercer (@jordy_mercer) March 2, 2016
And legendary hockey announcer Doc Emerick hopped into the booth and called a few innings of the March 3rd game against the Blue Jays.
Doc is in the house! Will join John Wehner and me on @937theFan and @Pirates radio network at 1pm. pic.twitter.com/NL4hr8ai6r
— Greg Brown (@gbrowniepoints) March 3, 2016
Jung Ho Kang may have revealed the answer to the question on everyone’s minds lately – will he be ready to start in season opener? Our go-to guy on Korean major leaguers Joseph Kim says no.
Jung Ho #Kang said the team expects him to return in mid-April. He can do everything except base running now. (from a Korean live broadcast)
— Joseph Kim (@blackwings2011) March 4, 2016
So while we’ll have to wait a while longer to see him out on the field, Korean baseball fans and gamers can see him on the local cover of MLB The Show 2016.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCjKWb2DgL_/?taken-by=sdew0405
In honor of National Anthem Day (March 3rd), MLB looked back on the best versions in baseball in 2015. Andrew McCutchen‘s mother, Petrina, a fan favorite at PNC Park, made the list:
On #NationalAnthemDay, look back on five of the best performances of 2015: https://t.co/NYW2ttW6jM pic.twitter.com/Zl4G7tQX6c
— Cut4 (@Cut4) March 3, 2016
So of course her son tries to get her a record deal:
Record labels where yall at? Momma trying to get on a track! https://t.co/4dPm6kB2xH
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) March 3, 2016
The freshness of spring training is upon us, and Pirates Breakdown will continue to track the team’s social activities to help you follow along!
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