I kept this story in my pocket for a long time....
In Pittsburgh, September 15th is Roberto Clemente Day.
Every year the whole organization fans out across the city. It's like Christmas. Roberto's family is there, Vera and the boys.
My first year as manager was 2011. We celebrated. We shook hands and moved on.
We didn't win.
19 consecutive losing seasons.
2012 rolls around. Same day, same celebration. We had another losing season, our 20th consecutive.
After the ceremony, Roberto Jr. walked over.
"My mom wants to talk to you."
We went into the dugout. Me, Vera, and her three sons.
She spoke in Spanish. I played four years of winter ball so I understood enough. She wasn't angry, but she was passionate. And I kept hearing Roberto's number come up.
Roberto Jr. translated.
"My mother wants you to know that there cannot be a 21st losing season. That was Roberto's number. It would be a disgrace to his legacy."
She was staring right at me.
Before I could even think about what to say, words came out of my mouth:
"I promise you, Vera. That won't happen."
Roberto Jr. looked at me and said, "You made my mom a promise. I hope you can keep it."
I said, "I hope I can keep it too."
I didn't tell my coaches. I didn't tell the players. I told my wife. That was it.
The next year, 2013, we broke the consecutive seasons losing streak. Ended it at 20.
On Roberto Clemente Day that September, Vera came walking across that field.
And I probably got one of the most meaningful hugs I've ever received in my life.
The players did all the heavy lifting. I just got the hug.
Some promises are worth making before you know if you can keep them.
@Pirates
This week, Paul surprised over 600 local high school students at the 171sst Refueling Wing for All Star Leadership Day, where they learned what a career in the Air Force looks like.
Batman Returns: At the invitation of manager Don Kelly, former Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett is visiting Pirate City to serve as a mentor to the pitching staff.
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Absolutely fired up to get to work for the Pittsburgh Pirates. I’m going to give yall everything I got! Looking forward to building new relationships and getting to know the Pittsburgh community.
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Our 2026 single-game tickets go on sale January 14 at https://t.co/rwNWAdkIGc
BASE: Former @Vulcans_Base OF Alan Porter (2000) is serving as the home plate umpire for tonight's Game 5 of the World Series between the Blue Jays and Dodgers. He also was part of the umpiring crew for the 2019 and 2022 World Series.
Special thanks to @CUTV_PA for the video