zack tasker

Positive things and friendships don’t win championships

[MLB @MLB]

Repost and reply for a chance to win this autographed Paul Skenes @Topps card!

[Clint Hurdle @ClintHurdle13]

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

[Pittsburgh Pirates @Pirates]

Couldn’t make it to the game today?

RT for your chance to win this autographed Paul Skenes Cy Young bobblehead!

[zack tasker @ztasker]

@MLB @Pirates Rtjr

[MLB @MLB]

Pirates fans, do you want this treasure? 🪎

We are giving away a new Pirates City Connect jersey just for you! Repost and reply for your chance to win!

[Pittsburgh Pirates @Pirates]

In honor of a very successful Opening Weekend at PNC Park, we're giving away this team-autographed poster.

RT for your chance to win! 🏴‍☠️

[zack tasker @ztasker]

Please don’t let this game be a foreshadowing of Skenes year to come. Dominant start, taken out (obviously WBC pitch count rules in play) with a 5 run lead, now 3 unanswered runs from Mexico. I feel like I’m watching the Pirates already

[zack tasker @ztasker]

@coachkomlanc You jumped too high

[Pittsburgh Pirates @Pirates]

It is with a heavy heart that we relay the news of the passing of legendary Pirates and National Baseball Hall of Famer, Bill Mazeroski.
Maz was a 7-time All-Star who hit the greatest home run in baseball history. He was a beloved member of the Pirates family and he will be deeply missed.

[zack tasker @ztasker]

@MLB @Topps The great one

[MLB @MLB]

In honor of #ClementeDay, we have a Roberto Clemente @Topps Gilded card to give away!

Repost and reply for a chance to win.

[zack tasker @ztasker]

@JaxsonPPSS made this @pirates fan’s night! Thanks again for the picture and God luck with that AB tonight!

[Pittsburgh Pirates @Pirates]

REPOST THIS for a chance to win this autographed baseball by Bubba Chandler.

Presented by @sheetz

[zack tasker @ztasker]

@KodyDuncanPGH Only a floor

[zack tasker @ztasker]

@SCCTradingCards @Topps Pirates…. Unfortunately

[Steel City Collectibles @SCCTradingCards]

🚨 GIVEAWAY 🚨

RETWEET, LIKE, & FOLLOW @SCCTradingCards for your chance to win this 2025 Topps Chrome Baseball Hobby Box!

COMMENT with your favorite MLB team!

Want extra entries? Get one additional entry for each friend you tag (they must be following you)!

#Topps #TheHobby

[MLB @MLB]

The late Dave Parker will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 10 days.

Reply and repost for a chance to win this awesome autographed @Topps card.

[zack tasker @ztasker]

@MLB @Topps So sad he waited this long. RIP COBRA

[zack tasker @ztasker]

A high school arm over the best college hit tool another great choice by this Cherington front office

[zack tasker @ztasker]

@Pirates Have you unveiled any plans to get us those Skenes bobbleheads you promised?