2019 will mark the 60th year Steve Blass is involved with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and his 34th season in their broadcast booth. On Tuesday, Blass announcedthe upcoming season will be his last as a broadcaster.
“Sixty seasons with the Pirates, one organization in one city, I am so very proud of that. It ranks right up there with anything I have ever done on the baseball field. It has been a wonderful run,” said Blass.
“My wife, Karen, and I felt that it was time to step away from my broadcasting duties in order to have more time to spend together and with our family and friends. I have spent many years driving by the roses, but now it is time for me to stop and smell the roses. I am very much looking forward to the 2019 season, as it will be special for me in so many ways.”
Following a 10-year major league pitching career, from 1964 – 74 with the Pirates, Blass joined the team’s broadcast booth in 1983 as a part-time analyst, becoming full-time in 1986. In 2005 Blass took a reduced schedule, working only home games to spend more time with his family. Blass, like the entire Pirates roster of broadcasters, splits his airtime between both radio and television. AT&T SportsNet serves as the TV home for the Pirates, with Entercom’s 93.7 The Fan being their flagship radio station.
“Steve is as synonymous with Pirates baseball as anyone in the history of our organization,” said Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman. “Steve leaping up into the air following the final out in his second complete game victory of the 1971 World Series is one of the most iconic moments in Pirates history.
“For 60 seasons, Steve has represented the Pirates with humility, grace, pride and passion. Words cannot express how appreciative we at the Pirates organization are for his dedication or how beloved he is and always will be.”
Blass’ pitching career was partially defined by the “yips.” After winning the World Series in 1971 and being named to the National League All-Star team in 1972, Blass suddenly lost control, walking 84 batters in 88 2/3 innings. Never regaining any sort of accuracy, “Steve Blass disease” became a part of baseball terminology and ultimately led to his retirement.
Although Blass will step away from the broadcast booth, the Pirates lifer will remain with the organization as an ambassador. Play-by-play announcers Greg Brown and Joe Block, along with analysts Bob Walk and John Wehner fill out the remainder of the Pirates roster of broadcasters.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.