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
Today on A Number Game, award winning horse racing handicapper @PaulMattiesJr joined @beatingthebook and @BillKrackman to discuss the chilling effect of Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW) on horse race handicapping. 🏇
For more, check out: https://t.co/EZ3krHhBxG
🚨INSANE STORY🚨
A man in Kentucky laughed so hard at Younghoe Koo’s failed FG attempt that it triggered a seizure, sending him to the hospital, where doctors discovered a tennis-ball-sized brain tumor.
The tumor was removed and was deemed not cancerous.
@beatingthebook@KelleyBydlon
Heinz offers free ketchup for life to 2026 NFL Draft's No. 57 pick
The Kraft Heinz Company - HEINZ Turns the 57th Pick Into “Mr. 57” at This Year’s NFL Draft https://t.co/j5hAQ7mA10
Griffin Giveaway: If Konnor Griffin gets 2 hits and Buccos win the home opener. I’m giving away 5 brand new Konnor Griffin jerseys. All you gotta do is 1) follow me. And 2) retweet this post. Good luck. LETS GO BUCS!
Pitcher Paul Skenes —
100 mph Fastball
95 mph Splitter
88 mph Changeup
85 mph Sweeper
All four pitches in an overlay to show the different movements of the baseball.
Wild.
The World Anti-Doping Agency has vowed to investigate recent reports that ski jumpers at the Winter Olympics are injecting their penises with hyaluronic acid to help them fly farther, per @TheAthletic
@PaulCharchian love your breakdowns on FTM every wk. I like the JSN slot route angle with him having played out of the slot a lot prior to Kupp.
IF Gonzales shadows JSN in slot who benefits?
Mostly looking for in-game live betting angles.
Thanks!
@MitchMossRadio@paulyhoward
How do you attack the golf betting market with Scottie Scheffler's domination?
Join @MattBrownM2, @WesReynolds1, & @KelleyBydlon as they discuss that & preview the WM Phoenix Open on Long Shots.
🎧 https://t.co/LWPhc7Qcba
📺 https://t.co/mUQRdpN5wR