In the real estate world, other than ‘sale is final,’ ‘location, location, location’ seems to be the magic words. Where, as opposed to what is often the sought-after trump card.
In the baseball world, the long-suffering fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates are a prime example of the location conundrum. Its physical property, PNC Park at 115 Federal Street, is one of MLB’s crown jewels. In true real estate jargon, it’s described as “An intimate, classic-style ballpark that embraces the progressiveness of Pittsburgh while saluting the spirit of early originals. Its scenic vistas of downtown and the riverfront create an exciting and dramatic urban sports venue.”
Its curb appeal is inviting. Its lush green lawn is immaculate. Its choices of cuisine are almost endless. There are plenty of things for the kids to do and enjoy, and it provides ample room for entertaining guests.
But even in the most pristine locations, occupants are often caught up in the endless futility of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ with plans and actions of constant rebuilding and remodeling, never satisfied with what they have before them. While they don’t mind a little refurbishing, those same Pirates fans have become a bit distraught with the continued tinkering in the neighborhood each July that comes with the explanation of preparing for the future.
There is no question that the ‘future’ is not now for the Pirates, nor has it been for most of the 21st century. This 2023 edition of the Buccos got out of the gate with the ultimate tease, compiling an early 20-8 record while occupying first place for the month of April. Since then, fortunes have reverted to the Pirates of old, with the team battling the Cardinals for last place in the NL Central.
Throughout their 142-year professional history, the Pirates have compiled an overall winning record, and the enamored townsfolks have identified with the black & gold. But since the turn of the century, the remodeling has become a bit of an eyesore.
Only four times since 2000 have the Pirates had a winning record, the last coming in 2018. They’ve not been to the World Series since 1979, haven’t made the playoffs since 2015, and have lost 100 games the past two seasons. In 2021, game attendance dipped below 1 million fans with a per-game average of 10,611, the lowest since 12,577 in 1995 when the team won 58 games.
General Manager Ben Cherington’s re-working of the franchise has begun to infuse some life and energy into the PNC location, with as many as five rookies dotting the starting lineup by late July. A three-game end-of-the-month series with the Phillies drew crowds of 30,000+ as the Pirates took the series 2-1 against their PA foes.
With the passing of the August 1st trade deadline, the team’s makeover continued as a new flag containing the old adage, ‘out with the old, in with the new’ might as well be hoisted on the center field flagpoles right next to Old Glory and the Jolly Roger. Although PNC Park’s turnstiles may qualify as a gated community, it is not one for baseball senior citizens.
When the August 1st trade deadline expired, so had the services of four of the team’s elder statesmen. Abandoning ship were pitcher Rich Hill, at 43, MLB’s oldest current payer; first basemen Carlos Santana, 37; first basemen Ji-man Choi, 32; and catcher Austin Hedges, 31. Of the quartet, Santana had most endeared himself to Pirates fans with an engaging personality, defensive flair, and power bat. In his last at-bat with the team, he belted a decisive ninth-inning home run in a win over San Diego.
In the facility’s spacious walk-in closet, only the belongings of community icon Andrew McCutchen were the property of a 30-year-old.
Advertising itself as having a great yard and plenty of opportunities for kids to play, many of the new tenants relocating to 115 Federal Street will most likely be beating the bushes of the minor leagues for the foreseeable future. On the team’s current active roster, ten players are 25 or younger, with many more seeking Google directions to Pittsburgh from farm team locations.
All told, 75 players went to new addresses via 32 MLB deadline trades, with the Mets surrendering and dismissing Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer making the most headlines. While many of the moves were made by teams vying for playoff spots, the Pirates are seeking a more long-term investment.
“We certainly considered a more passive approach and keeping everybody,” Cherington explained. “We weighed that versus the opportunity to get some young talent or seek young talent that we didn’t have a week ago, combined with opening up opportunity for some guys who have a chance to be here for a longer period of time.”
On the baseball calendar, August 1st resembles the day after Christmas, with teams making gift exchanges, all hoping for something better than what they had. It’s been all too familiar in the Burgh.
Along North Shore Drive, between Heinz Field and PNC Park, sits a statue honoring Pittsburgh native Fred Rogers. All Pirates fans long for the day when Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood will be the home of championship baseball.
