Pittsburgh sports fan, University of Dayton alum, Mom of 2, Pitt parent, Slippery Rock parent, still a Jersey girl. *Pittsburgh Steeler Fan for Life*. #herewego
Pirates have broken it open against Bailey Ober. (Hope you didn't bet the under.)
Nicky Gonzales two-run single, 4-1.
Then Oneil Cruz, three-run bomb to center, 420 feet.
It's 7-1 Buccos.
I don't say this about many because I am a curmudgeon, but Michael Pittman Jr. is a really good human. People in this city are going to love him and his personality as the season goes on. If he has a big year, they will adore him.
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
Paul Skenes sauntered toward the dugout and tipped his cap to a standing ovation that's becoming the norm whenever he goes to work.
The way the NL Cy Young winner is going, it feels as if it's not a matter of 'if' he'll throw a no-no, but when.
https://t.co/e7E55weZJR
After a 10-strikeout, no-walk performance tonight, Paul Skenes now has 40 strikeouts since his last walk on April 13th 🔥
That's the most strikeouts between walks by a Pirates pitcher since the mound was moved to its current distance in 1893 ⚾
@CharlieBorgesJr Just stopped by the Peebles VFD to encourage them to apply for the Five Alarm Marathon. They were very excited and appreciative! 🔥 @937theFan
The best teacher I’ve ever been around. Not just in football, but in life.
He didn’t just coach the game, he taught fundamentals, discipline, and personal accountability.
One of the greatest lessons he gave me was simple but powerful: do more than what’s expected and always ask yourself, “Am I doing everything I can to help the team succeed?”
That’s where Find A Way was built.
I am grateful for his impact. It shaped the way I live, work, and lead every single day.
#chucknoll #findawayeveryday #lessons