Steve Blass—Pirate (and Upper St. Clair) Legend Dave Bulger
As the curtain falls on the Pittsburgh Pirates 2019 In addition to season, so, too, does the 60-year affiliation between the Pirates his place in baseand Steve Blass draw to a close. Prior to this season, Steve an- ball history, Steve nounced it would be his last. Not since 1959 has there been a also has had a big baseball season that Steve was not part of the Pirates’ family in presence locally some capacity; first as a minor league player, then major leaguer, in the Upper St. Steve Blass and the Pirate Parrot at broadcaster, and good will ambassador. His career bridges the Clair community. a neighborhood summer party Roberto Clemente/Forbes Field clubs of the 1960s with the Josh He and his wife, Bell/PNC Park team of today. Karen, settled here in 1972 on Quigg Drive and raised their two Between 1964 and 1974, Steve won 103 games as a starting sons, Chris and David. Steve and Karen spent more than 40 years pitcher, including 16 career shutouts. He pitched two complete living in USC. Unlike many professional athletes who would games in the 1971 World Series, winning both over the Baltimore rather not be bothered, Steve embraced the role of neighbor and Orioles, while giving up only two built lifelong friendships to become total runs. One of the most iconic part of the fabric of his neighborphotos in Pittsburgh sports history hood. He was approachable, not is of Manny Sanguillen and Steve aloof. He just happened to be the celebrating and leaping after the World Series hero living next door. final out of game seven. Steve explained in his 2012 The 1972 season was, perhaps, autobiography A Pirate for Life that Steve’s best. That year he won 19 he was simply heeding the advice games, made the All-Star team, of another Pirate/Upper St. Clair and was on the cover of Sports legend, announcer Bob Prince. The Illustrated. Hall of Famer Hank Gunner once told him, “If you’re Aaron once claimed that Steve going to live in a community, be had the best slider in the National a part of it. Show up for events League, and he was such a wellthat are going on in your town.” Iconic World Series game 7 celebration photo respected teammate that he gave Steve took that suggestion to heart. of Manny Sanguillen and Steve Blass the eulogy at Roberto Clemente’s “Those were words of wisdom that funeral. I still adhere to today,” he said. His broadcasting career has been equally impressive. After a Steve helped coach his sons’ Little League teams. He led the few years of part-time announcing on cable, Steve became the annual Christmas caroling adventures, often humorously changfull-time color commentator for the Bucs in 1987 on KDKA radio ing the words of the songs, then he and Karen would welcome and television and has been announcing their games ever since. everyone into their home to celebrate (often with his classic
Quigg Drive and Clair Drive neighborhood Christmas caroling picture from the late 1970s; Steve Blass: back row, far left Steve Blass’ family
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2019
