Spring Training The Ramp Up For Long Baseball Season
While it might seem like fun in the southern sun, the ramping up of Spring Training is the preparation for an endurance run like no other in professional sports.
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While it might seem like fun in the southern sun, the ramping up of Spring Training is the preparation for an endurance run like no other in professional sports.
The "KDKA Morning News" is in Bradenton this week broadcasting from McKechnie Field - the Spring Training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates - getting you ready for the 2015 season.
He is under Pirates control, including a team option in 2021 and following a second half where he hit .348 following a stint on the disabled list, Starling Marte may be ready to break through and prove this Pirates outfield can, indeed, be compared to the 1992 group.
Pirates GM Neal Huntington has had a knack for finding bullpen help from unusual places, lefty Bobby LaFromboise is another in that group.
Pittsburgh Pirates Broadcaster John Wehner joined "The Cook and Poni Show" Monday morning from Bradenton.
Vance Worley and Gerrit Cole became the first Pirates pitchers to complete 5 innings as the Bucs beat the Phillies, 6-5, in Bradenton and the Twins, 4-2 in Fort Myers. But the news of the day was the revelation that catcher Tony Sanchez "is on the club," according to manager Clint Hurdle.
In his weekly "VESLA 360 Injury Report" exclusively here on 937thefan.com, former Pittsburgh Pirates trainer Frank Velasquez takes a look at some injuries the Pirates are dealing with in spring training.
To hear him say it, the experience in the Dominican Winter League was not a pleasant one for Pirates catcher Tony Sanchez, but the things he learned there have helped him make the big league club out of spring training.
Pedro Alvarez had three hits, including an RBI double and a two-run homer, as a Pittsburgh Pirates' split squad beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-5 Friday.
Francisco Cervelli homered twice off Kyle Gibson on Friday, leading a Pittsburgh Pirates split squad to a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Covering Spring Training the last 2 weeks it finally dawned on me. It's gonna drive me to drinkin' ... to try to write a new song about my buddy Brad Lincoln.
Some good and some not-so-good in Sarasota which makes Thursday's 6-4 loss to the Orioles a typical Grapefruit League game.
Chris Tillman allowed one run in four innings and Adam Jones hit his first home run of the spring in the Baltimore Orioles' 6-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.
Going into the 2015 season, outfielder Jaff Decker wasn't given much of a chance – at least by most Pirates fans - of winning the final roster spot. But, a little over halfway through Spring Training, Decker may now be the favorite to go north.
The crowd of 9,018 is a McKechnie Field record.
Tony Sanchez, Starling Marte and Willy Garcia homered, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates past the Detroit Tigers 8-7 Wednesday night.
Francisco Liriano says he was a little surprised that Clint Hurdle named him Opening Day starter.
In the past, Josh Harrison has needed to win a spot – even a spot on the bench - during Spring Training. But, after finally nailing down a starting position at third base by finishing second in the National League with a .315 average, Harrison is still competing as if his job is on the line.
Some news after the Pirates dreadfully long 13-7 loss to the Astros at McKechnie Field. Manager Clint Hurdle said the starting rotation will be Francisco Liriano, Gerrit Cole, AJ Burnett, then either Vance Worley or Jeff Locke followed by Charlie Morton.
Chris Carter was 3 for 3 with two doubles and four RBIs to break out of a spring-training slump and lift the Houston Astros over the Pittsburgh Pirates 13-7 Tuesday.
It wasn't that long ago that there were plenty of jobs available during Pirates Spring Training; not so this spring.
Once again, lefthander Jeff Locke finds himself in a battle for a spot in the Pirates' rotation. But, this time, he is battling from a much different perspective.
The family of a Pittsburgh-area paramedic killed in the line of duty got their mortgage paid in full on Friday by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Four vaccinated people in Pennsylvania have contracted measles, health officials say.
Residents along Wildwood Road in Hampton Township say they're frustrated after repeated flooding has damaged their properties.
A Pennsylvania wildlife center took in an extremely rare albino cardinal — and it wasn't even the first one for them this summer.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no longer a risk of people getting sick with cyclosporiasis from this outbreak and is confident that all related iceberg lettuce is off the market.
United Airlines Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The Flight 93 Memorial will mark 25 years since Sept. 11, 2001, with a day of observance and ceremonies on Friday.
Brittany Ritter, a woman missing for more than one week from Ohio, was found dead on top of a train car in Indiana, authorities said.
The family of a Pittsburgh-area paramedic killed in the line of duty got their mortgage paid in full on Friday by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Four vaccinated people in Pennsylvania have contracted measles, health officials say.
Sen. John Fetterman's surprise video introducing Sen. Dave McCormick at the Republican Party's midterm convention sparked a strong reaction from Democrats. KDKA political analyst Jon Delano breaks it down.
Sen. John Fetterman's surprise video at the Republican Party's midterm convention sparked a strong reaction from Democrats.
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman appeared in a surprise video at the Republican Party's midterm convention on Wednesday, as he becomes increasingly isolated from his own party.
A Pennsylvania man is facing charges after police said he called Gov. Josh Shapiro's office and threatened to "destroy the Commonwealth."
The Trump administration moved Tuesday to ban imports of Canadian motorcycles, some dairy products and most types of alcohol starting later this month, intensifying the trade war between the two countries.
It seems like each week we get a new story or warning about a scam over the phone or on the internet. Here's how you can avoid them.
With proposed 50% tariffs on the table, the cost of new and used cars could increase by thousands in the near future.
A new report tries to calculate how much Pennsylvanians need to earn to live what's considered a comfortable lifestyle.
The store is expected to open sometime next year.
Buffalo Township police are warning about scammers after investigating several cases where residents have fallen victim.
Get your tickets now for the PTL Turkey Fund Kickoff Show happening at the Pittsburgh Playhouse on Sept. 18!
The Original Pittsburgh Taco Festival is back with over 25 food trucks and authentic Latin music. It takes place Saturday, Sept. 12, at The Stacks at 3 Crossings in the Strip District.
Daisy checks out Gameway, the new video gaming lounge at Pittsburgh International Airport!
Leechburg Pizza Company is the latest pizza place featured on PTL Pizza Friday!
The Pittsburgh County Fair will take place Saturday, Sept. 12, at Allegheny Commons Park West. It's a celebration of urban agriculture and all things handmade, homemade, and delicious in Pittsburgh.
The Steel City Youth Football League announced disciplinary action following video that captured an on-field brawl.
Misdemeanor and summary charges have been filed against the coaches involved in a youth football brawl in Pittsburgh.
Police departments all around the country say surveillance technologies like cameras, drones, and license plate readers have proved invaluable in tracking and arresting violent criminals.
Video shows youth football coaches from Carlynton and Keystone Oaks fighting on the field during a game over the weekend.
Police public safety services are being questioned in Forward Township.
Four vaccinated people in Pennsylvania have contracted measles, health officials say.
A Pittsburgh-area hospital is seeing a concerning uptick in withdrawals from what many describe as "gas station heroin."
Mental health days aren't just for adults; oftentimes, children need them, too, so here's what parents need to be on the lookout for.
Getting zapped by lightning is an enormous danger, and with an uptick in strikes in the Pittsburgh area, here's what you need to know.
A Pittsburgh-area mother is sharing her story after she says her daughter was exposed to measles at UPMC Children's Hospital.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the U.S. Steel Community Field at Hazelwood Green.
Jared Jones pitched seven innings of one-hit ball, Oneil Cruz added a solo home run and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0 on Thursday night to complete a three-game series sweep.
Phil, the two-time champion, and Amanda, the Penguins' Manager of Minor League Operations, are both heading to the Hall of Fame.
The grant funding comes after a gunshot was fired near the district's high school football stadium last month.
Cameron Heyward is criticizing the franchise tag, calling it "stupid.".
Many small businesses are still feeling the impact of last week's severe weather.
Pittsburgh leaders and their partners are making a concerted effort to revitalize a North Side business district.
A federally funded Ohio manufacturing program faces potential shutdown after a new audit by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Inspector General.
Gas station giant Buc-ee's has sparked a backlash in Ohio over one of its frequent trademark infringement lawsuits.
The international fashion retailer Zara will open a location in Ross Park Mall in 2028, as the mall continues to thrive.
Local legend Donnie Iris will headline an early show at Pittsburgh's newest music venue, Citizens Live at The Wylie.
Dolly Parton died in Nashville on Aug. 25 at the age of 80 — a shock to fans around the world who weren't aware of her illness.
A show coming to The Palace Theatre in Greensburg looks to pay tribute to Dolly Parton.
Tim Curry was known for his iconic performances in cult classics like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and the original screen adaptation of Stephen King's "It."
Pittsburghers are remembering Dolly Parton as "one of a kind" following her death on Tuesday.
Heavy storms over the past week and an exceptionally wet summer are bringing flooding concerns to the forefront in parts of Allegheny County that do not typically see significant water issues or flooding. KDKA-TV's Jessica Riley reports.
Stay on top of local weather with First Alert Meteorologist Ron Smiley's forecast!
Several ceremonies took place Friday morning to mark 25 years since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Get your tickets now for the PTL Turkey Fund Kickoff Show happening at the Pittsburgh Playhouse on Sept. 18!
The Original Pittsburgh Taco Festival is back with over 25 food trucks and authentic Latin music. It takes place Saturday, Sept. 12, at The Stacks at 3 Crossings in the Strip District.
Mike Tomlin stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons with the team.
Pitt's regular season has ended with an 8-4 record.
Pitt's five-game winning streak came to an end with a 37-15 loss to Notre Dame.
Mason Heintschel set a new Pitt freshman single-game passing record in the Pitt win at Acrisure Stadium.
The 44th annual KDKA-TV Turkey Fund will help our neighbors in need have a nice meal for Thanksgiving.