There are no shortcuts to excellence. Developing real expertise, figuring out really hard problems, it all takes time―longer than most people imagine....you’ve got to apply those skills and produce real outcomes that are valuable to people....Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you’re willing to stay loyal to it.. “Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.” SUN TZU

We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are. Never forget Change is inevitable Growth is optional. Your choices matter!!

Heal Smarter: Use your Injury, Recovery & Rehab into exponential growth. Got to @endurance_diaries to catch the full episode.

“You never know what’s around the corner. It could be everything. Or it could be nothing. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you’ve climbed a mountain.” —Tom Hiddleston

You should never stop trying to learn and grow. Growth can be achieved through effort and persistence, by learning from mistakes, and by taking ownership of your own journey. Because everyone’s journey is different no one takes the same path.

I don’t wanna hear anymore, teach me to listen I don’t wanna see anymore, give me a vision That you could move this heart, to be set apart I don’t need to recognize, the man in the mirror And I don’t wanna trade Your plan, for something familiar I can’t waste a day, I can’t stay the same I wanna be different I wanna be changed ‘Til all of me is gone And all that remains Is a fire so bright The whole world can see That there’s something different So come and be different, ooh And I don’t wanna spend my life, stuck in a pattern And I don’t wanna gain this world but lose what matters And so I’m giving up, everything because... I wanna be different I wanna be changed ‘Til all of me is gone And all that remains Is a fire so bright The whole world can see That there’s something different So come and be different, ooh I know that I am far from perfect But through You the cross still says I’m worth it So take this beating in my heart and Come and finish what You started When they see me, let them see You ‘Cause I just wanna be different, ye-ey I wanna be different I wanna be changed ‘Til all of me is gone And all that remains Ooh is a fire so bright The whole world can see That there’s something different So come and be different I just wanna be different So could You be different In me!

“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” —Jim Rohn​

Rise above your fears and you can rise above your peers. Matshona Dhliwayo

2025 — Sophomore Season (Age 23) Core Line • 32 GS | 10–10 | 1.97 ERA | 187.2 IP | 216 K | 0.95 WHIP | .199 BAA • Led MLB in ERA (1.97) — first qualified SP under 2.00 since 2022 • One of the best seasons by a Pirates starter in franchise history Accolades • Opening Day Starter (1st Opening Day) • All-Star Game Starter for Second year in a row Dominance & Durability • 25 of 32 starts with ≤ 2 ER • 11.1 K/9 | 1.8 BB/9 | K:BB ≈ 6:1 • Opp AVG .199 (top 5 MLB) • 72% first-pitch strike rate • 0.95 WHIP (second straight year under 1.00) Pitch Profile Expansion • FB avg: 98.4 mph (tied highest SP in MLB) • Usage: 51% FB | 33% SL | 10% CH | 6% CB • Changeup: < .150 AVG against; slider ≈ .160 AVG • Hard-Hit Rate: ~23–25% (best 10%) Efficiency & Composure • Maintained .240 OBP with RISP • Repeated ERA under 2.00 back-to-back years (1st Pirate ever) • Youngest ERA leader since Dwight Gooden (1985)

Legends never lose. They learn. They level up and they launch back. Hiral Nagda

Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it. Ralph Waldo Emerson

GIVING > GETTING The greatest lives aren’t remembered for what they received — but for what they gave. Service, generosity, lifting someone else up… that’s the real scoreboard. Give your gifts. Give your time. Give your heart. Give even when it’s small, unnoticed, or uncomfortable. Because the crazy part? When you give, you grow. When you lift others, you rise. When you create light, you walk in it. A meaningful life isn’t built by accumulation — it’s built by contribution. We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

What made Tim Dillard switch to a sidearm pitching delivery early in his career? @dimtillard shared that and more from his 18+ year professional career on a NEW “Bucs’ Bounty”

My dude @cutchtwenty2 had some kind things to say about his former teammate & friend @coach_karstens Catch BOTH parts of @karstens27 conversation on “Bucs’ Bounty”.

“The best baseball game I’ve ever been a part of in my life.” @karstens27 joined #bucsbounty on this week’s episode to discuss the 2013 Wild Card game and more about his time in Pittsburgh. 👀: youtu.be/ln9nAqBQRFM

The Gray Empire Strikes Every good story needs a villain, and this one’s came with a grin. Nick “Evil Empire” Benge, the self-proclaimed GM of the Grays, drafted like he was assembling the Avengers — a mashup of legends, lunatics, and late bloomers. He didn’t just pick players; he picked personalities who could survive on laughter, caffeine, and pure competitive chaos. The first cage session said it all: soft toss, rhythm drills, step-backs — and then the explosion. Once the timing clicked, it wasn’t “warm-up” anymore. It was launch sequence. From that moment, the Grays were off and running — straight through anyone who stood in their way. The Grays didn’t lose a single game. Not one. Going 8-0…They scored 94 runs, allowed 20, and twice cracked the 20-run mark. The championship game was a nail bitter at 27-0. #CharlesGoffRickwoodFieldClassic

Happy Birthday to my favorite person in the world….. You’re more beautiful than ever, inside and out. Every season, every chapter, every moment… I’m reminded how blessed I am that you’re mine. You’ve been my calm in chaos, my joy in every day, and my constant reminder of what love really looks like. I thank God for you — for your heart, your strength, your laughter, and the way you make everyone around you better.

Game day!!! Charles Goff Rickwood Field Classic 2025 The Charles Goff Rickwood Field Classic celebrates the legacy of America’s oldest professional ballpark with a week of camaraderie, community, and baseball heritage. This year’s Classic features eight teams led by Legends, a live draft, nightly banquets, and the annual Friends of Rickwood Fundraiser.

Missing time out at the Miracle League fields & reminiscing today.. If you’re not reaching back to help anyone then you’re not building a legacy. Germany Kent Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead #miracleleague #miracleleaguebaseball

Griffin is the best dude I know!!! 13 and we hope we’ve convinced him that he’s still a puppy

“In a way, I was born twice. I was born in 1934 and again in 1955 when I came to Pittsburgh. I am thankful to say that I lived two lives.” – ROBERTO CLEMENTE #Clemente #ClementeMuesum #retire21 #PittsburghSports

2025 Music City Shootout Recap: 50 & UP Pittsburgh Pirates Well folks, the 50-and-Over Pirates rolled into Nashville ready to make history… and we did — just not the kind we expected. We went 2-4 in the tournament, which technically means we won twice and survived four times. Considering the average hamstring age on our roster was 57, we’ll call that a moral victory. Our offense was electric — if you consider “everyone hits” rules and base running that only happens when the ball hits the backstop electric. Precision, patience, and very limited motion were our trademarks. Anything more than two to three feet in any direction was considered an extreme sport. Defensively? Let’s just say if it stayed within arm’s reach, we were golden. Outside of that… well, we enjoyed the view. Teddy was crowned Team MVP, catching more innings than we had somehow and more than sane human would recommend. He’s still somewhere icing his knees, readjusting his spine, smoking a stogie and negotiating a new glove-to-ice-pack NIL deal. Our final game at Belmont was legendary. The outfield covered an estimated 7,000 miles chasing down rockets, missiles, and line drives that refused to slow down. Somewhere, Google Fit thinks we hiked the Appalachian Trail. But we didn’t just chase balls — we made history. We shattered the all-time record for double plays in any tournament, era, or dimension. We averaged at least seven a game, most of which were completely accidental but looked amazing on paper. We stayed healthy (miraculously), laughed constantly, and reminded everyone that baseball isn’t about speed, youth, or bat speed — it’s about stories, camaraderie, and whether your Advil dosage is up to code. So here’s to the 50-and-Over Buccos — the only team that can turn a slow roller into a defensive highlight and a short jog into a cardiac event. See you next year… assuming everyone’s hips clear waivers. 🔥📸 Stephen Carter @hoopscrtv

ENDURANCE I don’t know you, But I love you, Just as God loves me and you. The sun and the moon Are opposing forces, But they still greet each other, Peacefully, As one awakens in the morning, Just as the other goes to sleep. Life has pounded me down And thrashed me around, Time and time again, But I always get right back up, Because I still love life - Just as the earth still loves The rain. Suzy Kassem,

The Brewers quest to win the NLCS begins tonight, but I believes their success could be a blueprint for the Pirates in 2026. @sportsnetpittsburgh Full video 👉 youtu.be/ea7ZL77sbVg

Don’t waste your energy trying to educate or change opinions; go over, under, through, and opinions will change organically when you’re the boss. Or they won’t. Who cares? Do your thing, it’s bigger than you so don’t care if they like it. Your impact is bigger than you know if you allow it.. If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are excellent leader. - Dolly Parton

There I was on death row Guilty in the first degree Son of God hanging on a hill Hell was my destiny The crowd was shouting crucify Could’ve come from these lips of mine The dirty shame was killing me It would take a miracle to wash me clean Then I read the red letters And the ground began to shake The prison walls started falling And I became a free man that day Felt like lightning hit my veins My dead heart began to beat Breath of God filled my lungs And the Holy Ghost awakened me Yeah, the Holy Ghost awakened me When I read the red letters And the ground began to shake The prison walls started falling And I became a free man that day For God so loved the whole wide world Sent his only Son to die for me Arms spread wide for the whole wide world His arms spread wide where mine should be Jesus changed my destiny Thank You, God, for red letters When the ground began to shake The grace of God started falling And I became a free man that day The prison walls started falling And I am a free man today

Don Kelly made an immediate statement, reshaping the Pirates coaching staff following his extension. CHECK OUT THE FULL of BUCS BOUNTY on @sportsnetpittsburgh YouTube channel or anywhere you like to listen to your podcasts.

2026…. We’re Coming!!! #cantstopwontstop

Jaclyn you are most certainly the one God set apart for me. “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) Hard to believe it’s been 17 years married and 21 together. You have walked with me through the lowest valleys and highest mountaintops, you have been my constant. You make every day better, everyone you meet better, and are willing to stop everything to capture a moment for a perfect stranger. For such a small person you have the largest heart. Always shining a light that never seems dim. “Let your light shine as an inspiration to humanity and be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people.” (Germany Kent) Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” Our story has been proof of that—grace upon grace, joy upon joy. The best is yet to come. Your my favorite and my always. Thank you will never be enough. So instead: I love you. I treasure you. I adore you. All the ways all the days!!!!

ABS is officially coming we covered that and much more on #BucsBounty check it out on @sportsnetpittsburgh YouTube channel….

By taking a unique path with their young pitchers, the Pirates could be laying the groundwork for something special… Watch the full episode on SNPs YouTube channel or any where you get your podcasts.

Wanted to take a moment to honor one of the greatest to ever step on a mound — Clayton Kershaw. His final regular season start at Dodger Stadium wasn’t just another game; it was a moment. A moment for him, his family, his teammates, the fans, and the city he’s given everything to. For over a decade, Kershaw has been punching tickets with some of the nastiest stuff we’ve ever seen. To watch him close this chapter at the only home he’s ever known was truly special. Here are just a few of his incredible accomplishments while wearing Dodger blue: • 🏆 World Series Champion (2020) • 🏅 National League MVP (2014) • 🏅 3× National League Cy Young Award winner (2011, 2013, 2014) • 🏅 Triple Crown winner (2011) • 🌟 10× MLB All-Star • ⚾ NL ERA leader 5× • 💯 Over 200 career wins and 2,900+ strikeouts (and counting)

Pittsburgh, I feel so blessed to be a part of this incredible city. From the moment I put on the black and gold in 2011, you welcomed me like family. The passion, the loyalty, and the heart of this community are unlike anything else. As a player, you embraced me. As a broadcaster and analyst, you continue to support me in ways that mean more than I can put into words. Being able to share the game with you—on the field and now through the television— has been a great joy. I’m grateful every single day to call this city and its people part of my journey. Pittsburgh isn’t just where I worked or played— it’s a place I call home. Much love, Michael

How can you not be romantic about baseball!!!!

Don’t waste your energy trying to educate or change opinions; go over, under, through, and opinions will change organically when you’re the boss. Or they won’t. Who cares? Do your thing, it’s bigger than you so don’t care if they like it. Your impact is bigger than you know if you allow it.. If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are excellent leader. - Dolly Parton 🎥 : Brewers

Coaching isn’t about making players comfortable-it’s about making them capable. Bubba has had some great Coaches that have helped him not only be Capable but Dominate!!! #letsgobucs #tickets

“One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.” —President George W. Bush

On our most recent episode of Bucs Bounty We learned Bubba Chandler didn’t just dream of the draft — he bulked up for it. Coach Jay Lasley shares a behind-the-scenes look at Chandler’s path to the bigs. Watch the full episode on SNPs YouTube channel: youtu.be/82n0X00u20E

What an incredible experience hanging out with one of the best people and coaches you will ever meet @joemikulik and his team the @thetexastailgaters while they were taking on the @thesavbananas at the most beautiful park on the planet. @pnc_park #thankful The bonus was getting to see @jack.wilson.2 & Freddy get back on the field together. #doubleplayduo

Check out Effectively Wild every Saturday on @sportsnetpittsburgh during the pregame show….

Thank you for being you, Coach Mik! The Impact you had on our lives and career is something that we will forever be thankful for. You were and are more of a blessing than you will ever know! “Nothing comes as an accomplishment instantly. Success does not come overnight. Patience is the key! Grow up and be the tree; but remember it takes dry and wet seasons to become a fruit bearer, achiever and impact maker!” You have impacted many @joemikulik and continue to do so. Keep shining the light and helping others reach their potential just like you did for me back in 2007 in Asheville. Be YOU! If you see a man in chaps out on the field at PNC this weekend.. why yes, that is him!! Go Texas Tailgaters!!

Top prospects and Stuff on Bucs Bounty!

Payton Tolle - Drafted in 2024 - High-A, to Double-A, to Triple-A, and now the MLB in a season of professional baseball 🤯 - The 6’6”, 250-pound lefty generates nearly 7.5 feet of extension and features some of the best stuff in MiLB, with a deep five-pitch mix. In 15.0 IP at AAA, he posted a 28.8% K% and a 69.9% strike rate. - Will make his Debut against Pauls

We are in the Gold Metal Business!!! Go show them how it’s done Men!!! 🇺🇸🥇

Excellence isn’t inherited. It’s rented, and rent is due every day. Yesterday’s wins don’t secure tomorrow’s opportunities and victories. The standard is personal. Set it, uphold it, and refuse to negotiate it. Don’t allow your standard to be compromised by outside noise, circumstances, or uncontrollable events. #fortheglory #noregrets

From #1 @milb Prospects to impact player in the @mlb. What’s that worth? Roman Anthony may have just set the newest standard for just that…

Honored and Humbled to be featured on Steel City Chronicles on @sportsnetpittsburgh Thank you to all the great people that put this together! #letsgobucs

Great Series Sweep, Honoring of legends, Electricity ⚡️ on the bump and some thunder in the bats.. #letsgobucs

We’re taking you inside the action like never before on @sportsnetpittsburgh Back in April we launched Bucs BP — an all-access series that gives fans a front-row seat to the intense work and preparation that happens before first pitch. From exclusive conversations with Andrew McCutchen, Bryan Reynolds, and Manager Don Kelly — to on-field insights literally on field like what does a day look like for the men and women who get the field ready. Hoping this series brings fans closer to the game. I know it’s been a blast filming.

What should Pirates fans expect from @milb #1 prospect @konnorgriffin in @altoonacurve . We break it down on the latest episode of ‘Bucs’ Bounty’ now on @sportsnetpittsburgh YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. 👉 bit.ly/45IqXiM

Baseball is the best!!!!

Tickets on Tickets

PLAYERS WEEKEND!!!!

Building the perfect Pirates lineup with $50 is harder than it looks 💰⚾ Newest Bucs Bounty out now…

Brewers 73-44 Overall (Best record MLB) 34–9 since June 19 23-4 since Andrew Vaughn joined team. 24-4 since July 6, the best record in baseball 12-1 (Last 13) 9 Straight Wins (Murphy’s pocket pancakes) 2 separate 9+ game win streaks 1st time in Franchise history. 3 separate 8+ game win streaks 1st time in franchise history. 56 HIT Series Againsts Nats

No one can Pimp a Walk better than my man @cutchtwenty2 #letsgobucs

Liover Peguero walks me through his process during BP Starting with kneeling Pick with a fungo focusing on Staying low, working through the ball & stabilizing the ball in the pocket. He moves from there to standing Machine work with different types of foam balls. Great dude that has been locked in on controlling the controllable. Big Fan of who he is and all ge does…

Join us on @sportsnetpittsburgh every Saturday for Effectively Wild

MLB pitchers since 1901 to record 5.0+ scoreless innings, 5+ strikeouts & 1 or fewer walks in 4 straight home games of a season: Paul Skenes (2025) Jake Arrieta (2015) Paul Skenes: 23 starts last year with a 1.96 ERA 24 starts this year with a 1.94 ERA We’ve never seen anyone like him.

make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. Pamela Cox

SummerFest is a dynamic community outreach initiative hosted by Inspired Hearts and Hands (IH2) to equip K–12 students with essential resources for the school year. The event brings together hundreds of volunteers, local organizations, and human service agencies to distribute clothing, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, hygiene kits, and winter coats. With over 1,500 students expected to benefit in 2025, SummerFest aims to uplift families facing economic hardship by fostering dignity, confidence, and a strong start to the academic year.

New Episode of Bucs Bounty now @sportsnetpittsburgh You don’t want to miss it!! @mattcapps55 says his shortstop called half the pitches he threw for years 🤯 That’s why @jack.wilson.2 was a no-brainer in his all-time teammate draft… You can find the whole podcast now on SportsNet Pittsburgh’s YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Who drafted the better squad?

“For me, I don’t want to see the break with my sinker or cutter... I look at how my catching partner’s catching the ball.” Ryan Borucki was swapping knowledge with US today in Bucs BP 🧠 🤝

Johan Oviedo is back!!!! 2023 First year as a starter….. MAY 24TH (immaculate inning) AUG 28TH (2 Hit Complete Game Shutout) - 9.0IP 2H 0ER 2BB 5K SEPT 27TH (Last MLB appearance)

The trade deadline was wild this year. Got to talk through it with my dudes on @outkick_hotmic

That’s a wrap! 18u Training Camp Phase 1 in the books. What a great week of baseball! Team Navy balled out, taking every game and leaving it all out on the field. Proud and Honored to be a part of USA Baseball! @usabaseball #Fortheglory

Proud of the boys in Blue! (Team Navy) 1-0 W A Shutout Mucho Tickets, timely hitting, and great defense. Day 2 in the books!! #fortheglory

@usabaseball 18u training camp Year 3 #herewego #fortheglory

Year 7.5 in the books!! Thankful!!!

Learning to Evaluate, USA Baseball, & Upcoming Draft

Some great glove work from some of the best in the game. Flipping at bats one pitch at a time!!

Joe Ryan ranks eighth among qualified AL pitchers in ERA (2.76), is second in WHIP (0.89), 18th in innings pitched (104 1/3) and second in strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.52). The All-Star takes on the Buccos for his last start of the first half.

HE’S COMING!!! @mlb HR DERBY 2025 @pittsburghpirates 🎥: Drew_Review 🔥 @sportsnetpittsburgh

THE PICKLE in baseball terms refers to the runner is “in a jam”—stuck between two options with defenders closing in, just like cucumbers jammed into a pickle jar! The Definition of a rundown aka PICKLE is where a baserunner is caught between two bases and faces an imminent tag from the defense. As the runner darts back and forth, the defending players exchange throws to try and trap the runner and tag them out. #picklesburgh

Bobby Witt Jr and the Kansas City Royals are up for the Buccos.

Bednar has been a terror to anyone that has stepped in to the box since he was recalled back to the show!! @sportsnetpittsburgh #bucsbounty

Just WOW!!!! 105.2 Room Service for the perfect tag!!!

Happy America Day!!!

Another week of EFFECTIVELY WILD Man, there were some fireworks!! Check out the rest on SNP @sportsnetpittsburgh tomorrow during the pregame show!!

DOUBLE SWEEP! The Boys Are Poppin!!! Bednar reliever of the Month…. #letsgobucs 🎥: Pirates Social Team!!

Dad Strength or what I like to call papa pop is one of our topics on Bucs Bounty. We discussed Bryan Reynolds’ offensive surge after his third kid was born!! Watch: youtu.be/8zXnACjwIPE Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/1HjS9b…

Thankful for another great camp day with @4twelve_sports_ministries! Teaching the game and more importantly representing the Cross. Thank you @mattdavis4596 blessed to work along side you to help grow the kingdom.

Effectively Wild coming your way on Saturday during the @pittsburghpirates pregame on @sportsnetpittsburgh

Learn how to properly be an animal on the base paths. The little things separate the great player and teams. So be an Aggressive, heads-up baserunner. It provides the opportunity to create chaos which in return will allow you to score runs. As well it will invite indecision, panic which will lead to mistakes. This all allows you and your team to take advantage of those mistakes. This all starts by push the limits, failing and learning yourself and your comfort threshold. Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. – T. S. Eliot

The Miracle League of Southwest PA Golf Event. Great group aka Team War Eagle! 🦅 Thank you for a great day and an even bigger thank you to all who support this great program!!!

Tickets Please!!! 🎟️🎟️🎟️

PLAY BALL WEEKEND!!!

Can you guess which @cubs players these batting stances belong to just from their silhouette? 🤔

If you quit on the process, you are quitting on the result.-Idowu Koyenikan

Thank you @jack.wilson.2 @gflyboys and the @appyleague it was a blast! Now let’s go win the championship!!! #cantstopwontstop

PCA has been a problem for every team this year. PCA made some simple adjustment from last year to this year. His head isn’t floating forward and is starting in a more stack & consistent position creating better seperation and allowing more time. Be ready isn’t the right thought get ready is…

“The only thing standing between you and outrageous success is continuous progress.” —Dan Waldschmidt 🎥: @annikarussellvideo & @gflyboys

Tickets 🎟️ 🎟️

When you come to a fork in the road, take it. - Yogi Berra

Baseball is the Best!!