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.
Esmerlyn Valdez hit his third home run of the day, and the Pittsburgh Pirates edged the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 to sweep a doubleheader.
A motorcyclist has died following a crash in North Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County.
A Pittsburgh police officer has been hospitalized after coming into contact with a needle.
Esmerlyn Valdez helped rally the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-6 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in the first game of a doubleheader.
A Shaler Township man was indicted by a federal jury after making specific threats against a member of Congress.
A major, nearly monthlong closure of Pittsburgh's Parkway East is underway, detouring hundreds of thousands of drivers.
A major, nearly monthlong closure of Pittsburgh's Parkway East will begin soon, detouring hundreds of thousands of drivers.
The historic Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 is rolling through western Pennsylvania on Saturday, with a stop in Leetsdale.
Wyatt Fisher, an 18-year-old firefighter, was killed in a motorcycle crash in Clermont County, Ohio, officials said.
Esmerlyn Valdez hit his third home run of the day, and the Pittsburgh Pirates edged the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 to sweep a doubleheader.
A landmark housing bill automatically became law overnight after President Trump declined to sign it.
Pennsylvania Sens. Dave McCormick and John Fetterman have formed a joint fundraising committee.
Sen. John Fetterman condemned his colleagues who continued backing Graham Platner amid a string of scandals.
Rep. Eric Davanzo later said he "will never apologize for putting patriotism before politics."
Some lawmakers say the Pennsylvania State Senate is stalling on a bill to increase the state's minimum wage.
Last year, Americans received nearly 30 billion scam robocalls and text messages.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission approved a 3.5% toll increase that goes into effect on January 3, 2027.
After about three dozen Allegheny County home deeds were fraudulently put into an LLC's name, experts are sharing tips for protecting yourself.
Giant Eagle has remained the dominant grocer in southwestern Pennsylvania for more than 40 years, and one of those reasons was the exit of Kroger.
A major healthcare merger is now official.
We're taking a look back at what happened this week on PTL.
We’re stepping into a vintage wonderland packed with iconic ‘90s and Y2K fashion, throwback music, and nostalgic treasures that’ll have you saying, “I used to have that!”
When traveling to a different country, the rules can be different from your own. Our resident travel expert Bobby Laurie is here to share some laws around the world.
From fake rentals to pickpockets, there are so many things to look out for when on vacation. Travel expert Bobby Laurie joins us to get us in the know.
Friday Free For All and some "Buzz in the 'Burgh."
Two years after Pittsburgh struggled to turn on public water fountains, the city says just about every operable fountain is now working.
Some residents in Westmoreland County are voicing their frustrations over speculation on data centers.
There are several data centers on the drawing boards in southwestern Pennsylvania, raising concerns about noise and pollution.
Allegheny County is facing a major financial crisis that leaders are unsure how to address.
Rising Tide Partners began acquiring depressed properties five years ago with the promise of transforming struggling neighborhoods.
September marks the beginning of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the United States.
For the eighth year, a mobile dental clinic is back in Pittsburgh, providing free preventive dental care for those living in underserved communities.
A major healthcare merger is now official.
Representatives from UPMC and Allegheny County Public Safety held a demonstration to encourage firework safety in Pittsburgh.
When you hear you're diagnosed with cancer, it can be overwhelming. It can leave questions, anger and a feeling of seclusion.
Esmerlyn Valdez hit his third home run of the day, and the Pittsburgh Pirates edged the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 to sweep a doubleheader.
Western Pennsylvania has historically been a hotbed for producing talent that succeeds in the NFL.
Esmerlyn Valdez helped rally the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-6 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in the first game of a doubleheader.
Mark Kulbis is also facing misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment in the death of Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr.
Here's what you need to know about the Pirates ahead of the 2026 MLB draft.
Giant Eagle has remained the dominant grocer in southwestern Pennsylvania for more than 40 years, and one of those reasons was the exit of Kroger.
A major healthcare merger is now official.
The Kroger Company announced the acquisition of Giant Eagle on Wednesday morning.
Schewbel's is closing after 120 years, meaning Giant Eagle will have to find a new bakery to make its branded bread.
A federal judge has extended his block on enforcement of an Ohio law that would require children under 16 to get parental consent to use social media apps while a legal challenge proceeds.
The new movie "Young Washington" opened over the Fourth of July weekend, earning more than $20 million at the box office and becoming the nation's top live-action film.
The nominations for the 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards were announced Wednesday morning in Los Angeles, with the final season of HBO Max's "Hacks" setting a new record for the most nominations in a single year for a comedy series.
It's shaping up to be a busy holiday weekend across western Pennsylvania, which includes the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married as they celebrated their wedding with hundreds of guests Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
When are the fireworks tonight in Pittsburgh? Here's what to know about the city's Fourth of July celebration.
Stay on top of the weather in the Pittsburgh area with meteorologist Rob Wilson's forecast!
A Pittsburgh police officer has been hospitalized after coming into contact with a needle.
A motorcyclist has died following a crash in North Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County.
The long-awaited Parkway East closure has taken effect. KDKA-TV's Ricky Sayer was live in Homestead, where traffic was already creating headaches for drivers.
Stay on top of local weather with meteorologist Mary Ours’s forecast!
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.
