“Strong people define themselves; weak people allow others to define them.”

Ken Poirot

One of my favorite quotes: "The man who loves walking will walk further than the man who only loves the destination." 


Our mountains and valleys are not accidental or in vain.  There's a great deal to be learned in both areas. I've found that loving the grind is both a blessing and a curse, and one of the positives is the grind


As we allow ourselves to accept these highs and lows as part of our God-breathed story—they become a gift to see and feel the harvest from both extremes. 


If you want my life in a nutshell, here it is: A relentless pursuit of learning, growing, and achieving. Times of joy, disappointment, and pain. Winning and losing. Deep friendships. Incredible fans. Wonderful teachers. Doubters and haters. Impactful men. Servant leaders, Christ-centered chaplins, and selfless clubbies. Relentless grounds crews and ballpark staff.


Meathead moments. Success, consistent failure. With persistence and  grit in the valleys and all the unpredictable twists and turns of the journey, which only help to make each climb of the mountain more enjoyable.


From the tops of mountains to the valleys below, I am forever grateful for every moment and memory as they have forged me into the man I am today.

"No matter how tiny you look, you can lead huge men if you have what theY don't have." M.Johnson

I was blessed to live out my childhood dream, a dream that I predicted and set aim at when I was only five.


From the beginning, GRIT + STRONG WILL were engrained within me. Born prematurely, yet flexing and READY TO GO!

That first breath and the fight thereafter built grit and a relentless work ethic. Maybe that’s why I’ve always been so hardheaded. That willpower did not keep me from, yet saw me through various hurdles as a child. A few of those challenges were: childhood seizures, needing a tutor, speech teacher, and working through anger management in therapy. Most of these struggles stemmed from learning disabilities that brought insecurities, communication issues, and a deep anxiety to speak in front of my peers. I would most often simply make fun of myself or crack a joke to cope. This is a part of my story that not many folks know, but my purpose in sharing is to bring HOPE to others.


My belief was & still remains-
If you take aim at something...
you can reach it if you really want to. especially if you’re strong enough to take ownership- that’s what I did.

I choose not to be set back by the hard-hitting sharp statements, but, instead, let them move and motivate me. Fear and doubt are not welcome, even when you have lost all belief in yourself like I did my freshman in college. However, I didn't quit. I  forged a path forward one step at a time. 


I learned not to fear the unknown, especially through the seven surgeries I endured in my career. These obstacles put me in situations that could have led me down a completely different path, but I had my Rock, Jesus, and my wife, Jaclyn.


Our God is aware of where we are now and where he will have us go he has proven that time and time again in my life—through unexpected illnesses, a life-threatening infection, the murder of a dear friend, and the pain and grief of other beat downs. Nevertheless, He has always shined the light through the darkness.

 "You just gotta stay on the grind, keep your head up, and keep going. Sometimes the escalator is going down and you're running up. That is how it's felt at times, but you just have to keep going."
“Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone's hand is the beginning of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours.”

Vera Nazarian

KISS YOUR LIFE TODAY...NOW...JUST AS IT IS!


Do your thing—do it  unapologetically. Don't be discouraged by criticism. Take ownership, take chances, and have fun—lots of fun!

all in or all out!!!

Life has been a special calling...to walk, sprint, climb, claw, and stay steadfast on this journey.

I grew up and became an adult during my 12-year baseball haul. Each of the 20+ cities I lived in I have called home. Every ballpark was my office. The logistics of last-minute auto shipments, flights, car rentals, hotel rooms, and apartment leases, etc., seemed endless at the time and became a part of the mania.

Grit in the valleys & all of the twists/turns of the journey make every mountaintop more enjoyable.

"To live greatly, we must develop the capacity to
face trouble with courage,
disappointment with cheerfulness,
and triumph with humility.”

T.Monson

A Word from My Wife, Jaclyn:

The dedication and sacrifice it took for Michael to venture through each step of Minor League Baseball, then make his Major League debut in 2010, will forever be impressive to me.


I will always admire the grit and perseverance it took for Michael to make it back to the Major Leagues in 2014 and then again in 2016—both times following knee surgery. The memories could go on and on and on.


As we move ahead to new ventures, we will undoubtedly miss a great deal about Michael's days as a professional athlete, but it's with great joy that we can say: Hallelujah—WHAT. A. DREAM!

Today, I'm happy to be back in the burgh!


Years ago, a seed was planted in a dark time. A fear was faced, and my mind was engaged on something other than my knee, career, or rehab. That's when I was asked to join the televised pre- and post-game show during the magical 2013 MLB season.


This opened a door for me to return to Pittsburgh as a Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster and analyst for AT&T Sports Network. I couldn't think of a more gracious way to transition out of playing the game. 

The JOURNEY CONTINUES...

March fourth...

Which is exactly what I've done my entire life. It’s been an amazing adventure as I see all that God has empowered me to conquer and the wide variety of areas he has allowed me to be part of. Lets keep it going!!

Forging Purpose Through Faith and Fortitude 

I know where I’ve been and where I’m going. I see a lot of kids running up an escalator, but they’re heading in the wrong direction. They’re trying to chase something, and they don’t even understand what it is. They’re just seeing things the world’s way and thinking everything should be easy.


But all of us are going to have battles. And I want to continue to grow and help you navigate your journey.

Look at all the mistakes I made, all the struggles and setbacks, all the listening and learning I had to do for so long. Take my example as a jumpstart.


Take it, and run with it.

I’m here to be a light. I just want to go out and impact the people around me and do the best I can, and the biggest thing for me is honoring god on a daily basis.

@ THEFORTMCKENRY

Master Your Swing: Elevate Hitting Skills Now on @thebrianhessshow
My man Kinger is killing it in his first year on the broadcast for the @steelers #playbyplay
When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves. – William Arthur Ward
Empowering Young Minds: The Importance of Mentorship on the @thebrianhessshow
Or maybe you are in a season looking to be led, pushed, or coached so you can find your purpose and discover your greatest potential? Well anything @realbrianhess puts out is for you… A man with a foundation of faith and family values. That is a servant leader who empowers people , cultivates teams, and encourages growth. Brother it’s be great getting to know and a true blessing that God crossed our paths. Thank you for having me on today it was a blast and a honor to be a guest on the @brianhessshow…. (Show drops tomorrow at 8 AM) @realbrianhess & @1teammedia are doing some incredible things and God is moving in big ways all around the (STAY TUNED) The Dichotomy of Leadership A good leader must be: • confident but not cocky; • courageous but not foolhardy; • competitive but a gracious loser; • attentive to details but not obsessed by them; • strong but have endurance; • a leader and follower; • humble not passive; • aggressive not overbearing; • quiet not silent; • calm but not robotic, logical but not devoid of emotions; • close with the troops but not so close that one becomes more important than another or more important than the good of the team; not so close that they forget who is in charge. • able to execute Extreme Ownership, while exercising Decentralized Command. A good leader has nothing to prove, but everything to prove. APPLICATION Jocko Willink
Master the movements!!! More is more
Embrace Your Inner Child: The Key to Persistence
On Friday, together with Duquesne Light Company, we hosted a Leadership Summit for over 50 student-athletes from all over the city. Before a networking dinner, those in attendance took in a wealth of knowledge and guidance from a 5-person panel that included Pirates President, Travis Williams; Pirates GM, Ben Cherington; Pirates Alum, Michael McKenry; DLC President & CEO, Kevin Walker, and DLC Chief Diversity Officer, Sam Hartzman. Topics included leadership, both on and off the field, and career advice for these future athletes!
Build an unshakable foundation…
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Challenge them in a multitude of ways, allow them to make adjustments, go above the demand, think outside the box. Make sure to make practice demanding and fun all in one… #catching #youthbaseball #handeye
The ball never lies!!!! ⚾️
The first is competence. Be brilliant in the basics. Don’t dabble in your job; you must master it. Jim Mattis
Our first Steelers game was incredible!!! My man Chad was honor for his incredible service, and got to sing the National Anthem which he rocked. Steelers won without scoring a touchdown, and all of this with my favorite person @jgmckenry and some of our favorite people @alex.presley & @janellepresley #salutetoservice #herewegosteelers
Great show!!! @davematthewsband never disappoints..
Great time chopping it up this afternoon with my man @dangermedia
Thank you to all that served.. We are blessed to live in the greatest country on the planet… I Never want conflict but if there is, and if history tells us anything there has always been. I’m so glad and we should feel blessed to live in the United States. Please thank a Veteran or a service member today.. Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron. Dwight D. Eisenhower People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. George Orwell #mentaltoughness #Mindset #usa #wisdom #courage #vulnerability #passion #purpose #growth #thefortmckenry #relentlessfortitude #bridgingthegap #faith#determination #challenge #belief #premiumqualitymisfit #impact #servantleadership #teaching #process #Jesus #War
PROFESSIONAL CATCHING DEVELOPMENT CAMP (LINK IN BIO) Join us at the Professional Catching Development Camp….here you’ll train with former professional catchers and coaches. This camp offers catchers a unique opportunity to learn essential skills, techniques, and game strategies directly from those who have competed at the highest level. Our experienced coaches are dedicated to providing high-quality, hands-on instruction to improve your defensive mechanics, throwing accuracy, and game-calling abilities. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or take your game to the next level, this camp is designed to help you reach your full potential behind the plate. LEAD BY Johnathan Lucroy Michael McKenry Xan Barksdale Jeff Calhoon Sammy Serrano Jim Koerner Jerry Narron Saturday Jan. 11, 2025
8:30am
Check In 9:00am – 12:00pm
Mobility & Prep Receiving & Hand Eye 
Blocking 12:00 – 1:00
Lunch Break 1:00 – 4:00 Arm Care 
Throwing & Foot Work Testing 6:00 – 8:00
Intangibles Lecture + Q&A
(Pitch Calling, Leadership, Baseball IQ, Umpire/Catcher Relationship, etc.) 
*Pizza provided to all campers Sunday Jan. 12, 2025
8:00am – 11:00
Other Skills/Drills (Fielding Bunts, Force Plays at the Plate, Tag Plays at the Plate, Catching Pop Flies, Retrieving Passed Balls and Wild Pitches, etc.) Looking forward to seeing you there!!!! #catchers #catching #catchingcamp
As human beings, we all harbor certain limiting beliefs, fears, or unconscious patterns that hold us back. Through insightful questioning and support, We have to allow players to identify these internal roadblocks and cultivate empowering motivations, propelling them forward.
We have come a long way in regards to the evolution of the Catching Position… #toolsofignorance
Great weekend with my buddy and all around great human- Jack Wilson, USA Baseball, Dicks Sporting Goods and Baseball 5 Baseball5 is a new five-on-five, five-inning street version of the game of Baseball/Softball that can be played anywhere. This faster urban discipline will help drive baseball and softball to new places not possible before.
VOTED!!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 1st time as Pennsylvanians ✅
Happy Halloween 🎃 👻
Felt honored to speak today with students at @pointparkrsb. It was Disability Mentoring Day & The theme was Vision for Your Future. Great mentors don’t just impart wisdom from their own experiences. They allow the time to understand another person’s perspective and the space needed for them to uncover the wisdom residing within. Reminding them that it’s not a disability but a gift to learn things and see things others cannot. Never forgetting that persistence always tears down the resistance. Lastly the toughest moments always create the greatest victories… Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On!’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. Calvin Coolidge Your potential, the absolute best you’re capable of—that’s the metric to measure yourself against. Your standards are. Winning is not enough. People can get lucky and win. People can be jerks can win. Anyone can win. But not everyone is the best possible version of themselves. You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself. — Galileo Galilei
Another season in the books with a great team full of wonderful people at Sportsnet Pittsburgh. Hard to believe it was year 7 in this role for me. Always grateful! @sportsnetpittsburgh “On great teams—the kind where people trust each other, engage in open conflict and then commit to decisions—team members have the courage and confidence to confront one another when they see something that isn’t serving the team.” Patrick Lencioni “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” Ursula K. Le Guin
JARED JONES Going to his last start… 117.1 IP 4.14 ERA 125 K 1.18 WHIP 🔥 *DELIVERY DECEPTION *ELITE EXTENSION *ELITE VELOCITY *MAD MAN MENTALITY
SKENES DAY!!! AGAINST HUNTER GREENE…. HEAVY WEIGHT MATCH UP!!! #letsgobucs
NICK YORKE (2-4 1R 1RBI SB) .455AVG .910OPS 5-11 (First 3 MLB GAMES) - Love his rhythm and adjustability on these pitches down. First one is a 97 MPH FB knee high and in.. The second one is a CB down and away from him. Great athlete that has a high upside hit ability tool....
Love ball talk with my guys on @huttonoutkick & @chad_withrow on @outkick_hotmic
Blessed to spend some time with family!!! Genesis 6:5-18 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.’ But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, ‘The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. 2 Peter 2:5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;
Big Bucco victory tonight! It was a wild game.. During the post game show we broke down two Things IKF did during tonight’s game to help the @pittsburghpirates to victory… The first is him showing of his Baseball IQ on the bases which allowed the Pirates to steal a run which was also their first on the night and seemed to open the flood gates. Second his sound defense on a great double play!!!
Glasnow is Nasty! He started the day off with three groundouts. What makes him so nasty? Well @alex.presley , @TheHaileyHunter and myself dove into just that on the @Pirates Pre game show on @SNPittsburgh #LetsGoBucs
We check in with our dude @skoobuh before his very first Play by play….. Which he absolutely just crushed. Keep learning keep growing and always be you!!
Great Hub segment with @the_haileyhunter on Flaherty and Ohtani OTHANI The only AL/NL player who has hit 35+ home runs and stolen 25+ bases and struck out 70+ batters in the last 100 years is Shohei Ohtani. He has 205 HRs and 118 SBs and 608 Ks. 😮 He has the chance to be: - The first MVP in both MLB leagues since Frank Robinson - The first MVP as a primary DH - The first player to record a 50-50 season - The first Triple Crown winner since Miggy Cabrera ALL IN YEAR 1 WITH THE DODGERS 🤯 JACK FLAHERTY 8-5 2.80ERA 140K 0.96WHIP Statcast usage with whiff percentage from last year to this year!! Also release of FB from last year to this year!! *Ditched his Cutter *He is throwing a career-high 52.6% breaking pitches, up from 44%. *The batting average against his slider from .339 to .224 *His curveball has the third-most horizontal movement in MLB *He added over three inches of induced vertical break with already Elite Extension and now also Elite Command!! *Has a career-high 33.3% strikeout rate Mechanics • Tall posture & good balance in the set • Hand out of the glove early • Trying to load into the back hip + quad • Think smooth & easy until foot strike • Once the front foot lands... he goes
Last Start we went in to depth about Paul Skenes….. PAUL SKENES -Skenes has allowed 2 ER or fewer in 12 of his 14 MLB starts this season. He hasn’t allowed more than 3 ER in a start yet in his brief career. -The last time he allowed 3+ runs in a start was on June 5 against these Dodgers, when he allowed 3 ER in 5 IP with 8 strikeouts and 2 HR allowed. -Ohtani went 2-3 AB against Skenes in June. He struck out in his first PA on 3 straight fastballs before blasting a 415-foot homer to center field in his 2nd PA. It was one of the most entertaining pitcher-batter showdowns of the season. • Skenes grew up in nearby Fullerton, Calif. as an Angels fan (he was there for Ohtani’s debut in 2018). He will play his first ever game in Southern California. • Skenes, who typically has pinpoint control, has walked a season-high 3 batters in each of his last two starts. That includes Sunday, when he allowed 2 ER in 5.1 IP in a no decision (6-5 loss) to the Diamondbacks. ROY FanDuel gives Skenes -4500 odds to win Rookie of the Year, and +310 odds to win NL Cy Young. -Paul Skenes (1.99 ERA, 107 SO, .94 WHIP) -Jackson Merrill (.289 AVG, 15 HR, 60 RBI, .787 OPS) -Michael Busch (.261 AVG, 16 HR, 45 RBI, .812 OPS) -Masyn Winn (.281 AVG, 9 HR, 41 RBI, .751 OPS)
This year compared to last year for Ortiz is a huge difference in a multitude of ways.... HisRelease height down, Sinker dropping more, New cutter, SL has more depth and horizontal movement consistently, Pitching down away better to righties & up-in With 4S at the top both RH/LH. During July all of this was hitting on all cylinders. During the @Pirates post game on @SNPittsburgh @TheHaileyHunter and I Dig deeper into some good signs and trends it could be heading back that direction.. #LetsGoBucs
Baseball is a beautiful game and just about everyday you watch/play you will see or learn something NEW... The best series with Dbacks had some fun and weird Moments....
O’Neil CRUZ (Had Been great at the dish since June 30th when he widen his base and shortened his moves .284/.337/.580/.917 5 HR and an OPS+ of 145 in the month of July Rake in AZ and Struggle in Houston then…. O’Neil Cruz & Rowdy had a Moment after Cruz made three errors in the series Finale! Vulnerable, empathy, and grace wear shown to a guy that is almost not human but almost still makes him a mortal and mistakes are growth opportunities. • No excuse to not believe in yourself • It’s never as good as you think it is • It’s never as bad as you think it is Error in the first so four Errors in 10 innings he shut it off. Went 5-5 with a stolen base. He encouraged Ortiz during a wicked and wild first inning. Lead by serving and loving!!!
Brother Andre’s Cafe Thank you for all you do!!! Absolutely loved serving with you all today and can’t wait to do it again…. What is Brother Andres? At Brother André’s Cafe, we serve much more than gourmet coffee, baked goods and handcrafted Christian gifts. We serve Christ. As an outreach of Move a Mountain Missions, we provide employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), promote products from vulnerable communities in developing countries and provide a place of community and Christian fellowship. Welcome. What is their Mission? Our mission is to share the many talents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with the world. Our employees and artisans are the “small brushes” that create so many wonderful products for you to enjoy. Sharing the many talents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with the world.
Knowing our lives are a reflection of what is in our heart. Our connection and service to others are based on what is in our heart Everything we are comes from within our heart and reflects into the world though our actions. Good teams don’t just happen. They take honesty, hard work and growth… Implementing Extreme Ownership requires checking your ego and operating with a high degree of humility. Admitting mistakes, taking ownership, and developing a plan to overcome challenges are integral to any successful team.” Jocko Willink THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK, MEN!!!!
Game 4 and Last day of @usabaseball 18u Training camp. Grey Squad capped off a great week with another W. Great dudes that played with passion, energy, and want too! Thank you to everyone.. had a blast!!!
Been an absolute blast and honor to be a part of the @usabaseball 18U Training Camp!!!
DAY 2 was another great day!!! @usabaseball 18u training camp 2024
DAY 1 of the @usabaseball 18u Training Camp is in the books.
Great night with my favorite person!!!
Check out the latest Episode of @holdmycutter Where we dive into some of my story! It was a blast and I hope you enjoy!!!!
Cruz with a wider base allowing him him time to get ready and minimize movement from the jump. It has played out well since he made the adjustment in ATL!!! MORE LOUD BARRELS coming in Milwaukee
My first @mlb HR was story book. Hard to believe it was 13 years ago because it feels like yesterday. Love this city, the people, and the team!!!! THANK YOU PITTSBURGH!!! YOU EMBRACED ME & CREATED A MOMENT I WILL ALWAYS TREASURE!!!!
Bryan Reynolds now has 114 career homers, matching Bobby Bonilla’s franchise record for home runs by a switch hitter.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!! 🇺🇸
Last week @outkick_hotmic we discussed all things baseball but specifically Rickwood Field and The Field of Dreams Game WATCH ⚾️
Great group of students hungry to learn and grow in business and sports!!!
From Padres Fan to Pirates Pitcher: Stephen Brault Unplugged (Link In Bio) What happens when a talented pitcher balances his love for baseball and music? Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of Steven Brault, a former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher and current Sportsnet Pittsburgh analyst, at Burn by Rocky Patel near PNC Park. With co-host Michael McKenry, we explore Steven’s unique personality, his gratitude for Michael’s mentorship, and the camaraderie they’ve built. Steven walks us through his Southern California roots, his enduring loyalty to the San Diego Padres, and his journey from being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles out of Regis University to his career with the Pirates.

Experience the nostalgic highs and gritty lows of the minor league grind as Steven recounts his path from a Division II college to the professional leagues, all while nurturing his passion for music. He opens up about the life-changing advice from his father and music director, the excitement and nerve-wracking moments of draft day, and the dedication required to rise through the ranks. Steven’s vivid recollections bring to life the experiences and challenges of minor league life, painting a picture of long bus rides, subpar accommodations, and the undying passion that fuels baseball dreams.

Finally, we explore the evolution of baseball training, the impact of analytics, and the ongoing debate over the replay system and safety rules. Steven shares candid insights into the pressures of maintaining peak performance and the influence of advanced technology on the game. We reminisce about the blend of old-school and new-school baseball, celebrate the sport’s human elements, and tease future discussions on Steven’s singing talents and tattoos. Don’t miss this engaging episode filled with personal stories, baseball nostalgia, and thought-provoking conversations. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!!
Great off day from work spent in Johnstown. Got to meet a lot of the team. Fielded incredible questions that we got to talk through with great engagement. Worked with the catchers creating better rhythms, moving faster into set up, and matching the pocket with the plane of the pitch. This game is the best!
Pitch Hit Run at Point Stadium with the Mill Rats in Johnstown, PA was a blast! The kids really showed up & showed out. Thanks to all who helped to make it a great time. Make sure to checkout an event in your area. Major League Baseball® Pitch Hit & Run™ (PHR) presented by MLB Network is a free, one-day event for boys and girls ages 7-14. Participants compete in either the baseball or softball division and have the opportunity to advance through three levels of competition: Locals, Team Championships and the Finals during the World Series™.
First F1 race but definitely not my last!! Thankful for a great weekend with great people… “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.” —Irish Proverb Life moves so fast. You gotta document the good times, man. -Big Boi “I’ve always believed that you should never, ever give up and you should always keep fighting even when there’s only a slightest chance.” -Michael Schumacher
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW…. (LINK IN BIO) Tim Murtaugh’s Baseball Tales, Redemption, and Political Battles What could be more captivating than intertwining the worlds of baseball and cigars? On this episode of “Hold My Cutter,” recorded live at Burn by Rocky Patel, we welcome Tim Murtaugh, the grandson of the legendary Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh. Tim regales us with intimate stories of his grandfather’s illustrious career, from his induction into the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame to the prized 1971 World Series ring he proudly dons. We journey through the legacy passed down through generations, reflecting on the profound impact of having such a monumental figure as a grandfather.

But the episode isn’t just about nostalgia. Tim opens up about his deeply personal battle with alcoholism, detailed in his book, “Swing Hard in Case You Hit It.” He shares the raw moments of hitting rock bottom, the arrests, and the pivotal decision to seek sobriety. Through the unwavering support of loved ones and a strict regimen of AA meetings and rehabilitation, Tim found redemption and turned his life around. His story is a powerful testament to resilience and the possibility of overcoming life’s most daunting challenges.

We also get an inside look at the high-stakes world of political campaigns and the strategic nuances of earned media. Tim’s expertise shines as he discusses the round-the-clock efforts behind political communications, peppered with delightful baseball memories from his childhood. From the Pittsburgh Pirates’ historic all-minority lineup in 1971 to heartwarming tales of family and the timeless spirit of baseball, this episode is a rich tapestry of life’s comebacks and the enduring themes of unity and hope. 
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!!

www.holdmycutter.com #LetsGoBucs #PittsburghBaseball #PiratesNation #SteelCityBaseball #PittsburghPirates #BaseballInPittsburgh #BuccoNation #BurghBaseball #PittsburghSports #PNCPark #thefortmckenry #gregbrown #broadcast #media #cigars #hitting #adjustments #johnwehner #coloranalyst #coaching #trump #timmurtaugh #
Hard to believe we lost this great man 16 years ago today. Miss him. Love you, BG!!!
Skubal was nasty against the Pirates. The first five guys he struck out were in completely different ways. Not only is his stuff nasty but he can use it in a variety of ways….
Paul Skenes and his nasty arsenal take on the Tigers today. Last start his 100Mph FB and Splinker led the way. One sequence I would love to see more is the one he threw to Solar in his last start. (3 Splinkers followed by a sweeping Slider for the K)
Happy opening day! Johnstown thank you!!!! Let’s Go @johnstownmillrats Thank you Mill Rats team for getting this Video put together. Great work……
Opening night for the @johnstownmillrats excited for the team, the boys, and most importantly for the community. Good luck tonight and I hope it’s a great time along with a great game.
Great day in Johnstown working at the point! One day & one piece at a time. Thank you to everyone that came out to help. Honored to be apart of the community.
Forever grateful for all the men and women that serve our country!!!!!
Gonzo Takes this inside pitch the other way by being ready for the pitchers best fastball. He has to honor the wicked slider of Lopez so his focus is to get ready early, keep his hands inside the ball, focusing on getting the barrel on plane by being direct to it and long through it , and this allows him to work this 97MPH fastball the other way. Great approach, swing, and intent. Which resulted as a double over the right field wall.
Holderman came in yesterday and got the buccos out of a jam. He faced Acuna and struck him out without throwing a strike. 👀 Nice work by Grandal working the ball back to the middle as he is catching it, and also identifying the zone by the home plate umpire.
A BP turtle has been delivered to The Point Thank you Rick, Chad, UPJ & the Mill Rats for making this happen!!! Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On!’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. Calvin Coolidge
Nick Gonzalez has done an incredible job of identifying what he needed to do to improve and grow as a young player. He has made some incredible adjustments dating back to last year. First it starts with understanding where you are and where you want to be. Which will help create goals that then in return makes you put a plan and a process together. Which all lead to a more upright set up which allowed him to create a better and more athletic move to the ball. Which was more direct and quicker…While at the same time made him more consistently in the zone and longer through the zone. Love when players take full ownership and responsibility of their careers. Because it’s just that theirs!!
Ball talk with my dudes @huttonoutkick & @chad_withrow on @outkickthecoverage… Tag plays and such…
Miss the good ole fashion plays at the plate!!!
“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere who bravely bears his country’s cause.” Abraham Lincoln Video Via @mlb
Both Olivares and Gonzo are in the Line-Up!!! In the first game of the series they Homered on pitches inside. Being very efficient with their movements, staying tight, and unloading in a small space…
PAUL SKENES First Major League win First double-digit strikeout start 6 no-hit innings Most strikeouts by a Pirates pitcher at Wrigley Field 7Ks to Start the game that is the: - longest streak by a Pirates SP to start a game in franchise history - tied for the longest streak by a PIT pitcher at any point in a game (6/1/13 Francisco Liriano, 5/3/12 Erik Bedard) - 3rd-longest streak by a rookie SP to start a game in the live-ball era (1920), behind 9/15/14 Jacob deGrom & 9/23/86 Jim Deshaies at 8 each Paul Skenes first Pirates pitcher age 21 or younger with 10+ strikeouts in a game since John Candelaria, 13, on Jun. 26, 1975 Paul Skenes’ 100th pitch is a 100 mph fastball and his 11th strikeout of the afternoon. Tauchman goes down swinging. 6 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 BB, 11 K Most 100+ MPH strikes thrown this year, MLB and AAA starting pitchers: Paul Skenes, 95 🔥⛽️🔥⛽️🔥 José Soriano, 19 Hunter Greene, 14 Jared Jones, 7 Bobby Miller, 5 5 others, 1
Why is catcher’s interference becoming more common in today’s game? Got to break it down on @outkickthecoverage #HotMic with my guys @huttonoutkick and @chad_withrow
Bushes on Bushes yesterday for the buccos!!!
Happy Mother’s Day….. Thank you for being there through all the tough times. Your wisdom and guidance have shaped my life. Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother. I LOVE YOU & THANK YOU
Skenes with a hold and a quick load & go, Grandal with a great throw right on the mark, and Cruz following the ball, staying down, and holding the tag. A lot to like in this sequence of events…
Another great day in Johnston, PA!!! Excited to see what all God is up to!!! The future is bright.
Great adjustments by Gonzo dating back to last year. He has slowly gotten into a more athletic position. Allowing himself to get to the fastball more consistently and adjust to break balls better. Hoping the quality movements and trends keep going into a positive direction… Opportunity does not waste time with those who are unprepared. Idowu Koyenikan
The knuckle curve explained on @sportsnetpittsburgh
Perez a master at making pitches start as balls and end up strikes... #letsgobucs
A perfectly executed cut off and relay by the @pittsburghpirates defense. Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out. John Wooden
Worrying is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but doesn’t get you anywhere. - Van Wilde You need to spend time crawling alone through shadows to truly appreciate what it is to stand in the sun. Shaun Hick An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Benjamin Franklin
Cruz makes a great in game adjustment. Gets cut off by a Slider early in the game and sharply grounds out in the first. Gets a similar slider later in the game and tattooed it for a three run HR. Learn from each at bat!
Beautiful day in Johnstown, PA this week!! Lots of happenings at Sargent's Stadium at the Point + almost @johnstownmillrats season!!
Henry did a great job allowing the game to come to him. Slow is smooth and Smooth is fast especially when you have a hand Cannon like Davis!!
Last start Priest put somethings together. Finding better windows and being more aggressive through the zone. Hoping today Quinn rights the ship for the buccos!!! #letsgobucs
A rare pitch out, with a great job adapting by Bart on a pitch up and even further away than he was anticipating, and Triolo getting in line with the throw and following the ball to finish it all with an incredible tag…
New Episode of @holdmycutter out now. Here is a quick snippet…. Play by Play Commentary vs. Studio Hosting!!!
Keller has had a weird start to the year, but when he is rolling he is one of the best in the game. Hoping to see a mixture of his nastiness today.
“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius “Your toughness is made up of equal parts persistence and experience. You don’t so much outrun your opponents as outlast and outsmart them, and the toughest opponent of all is the one inside your head.” – Joe Henderson
Pick or Pitch can you tell would you have gotten picked off? 👀☠️ #Fleming #letsgobucs
Hard to believe you’re a senior let alone this being senior night @layneakers. I’m so proud of who you are as a man! Blessed to be a part of your life for all these years. You are finishing up a special part of your story and about to start a new chapter with a blank canvas. The journey of adulthood and the process is just getting started. I know you’re full steam ahead, but take time to reflect on everything to this point.. from being a little baseball loving squirrel, to the highs going into your freshman season.. followed quickly by the lows of injury & surgery & rehab.. To laser focused on becoming a Blue Raider! Don’t lose your gratitude to all the joy & the pain of the journey… You took it in stride and used it to mold yourself into a Dawg. Tell your dad @chuckakers07 thank you for being real, vulnerable, and most importantly gracious. He is an outstanding dad. Give your mom @blairaker two hugs for being the glue, two thank you’s for being your biggest fan, and a sorry not sorry from us both for always being late when the work needed to be done. You’re a lucky, fortunate, and loved dude. Keep being you! Never stop chasing those goals down! Proud of you!! #Cantstopwontstop #itpaystobeawinner
48 years ago today, Rick Monday saved the American flag from being burned on the field during a game at Dodger Stadium. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Cruz cleaning up his direction, allowing time to happen, and smashing baseballs!!!! “Every generation welcomes the pirates from the last. “ Lawrence Lessig
NEW EPISODE OF @holdmycutter OUT NOW….. Imagine settling into the embracing warmth of Pittsburgh culture, its Northeastern charm interwoven with Midwestern heart. That’s precisely where we found ourselves at Burn by Rocky Patel, joined by sports broadcasting icon Rob King, Greg Brown, and former MLB player Michael McKenry. As we lit up our Decade Cameroon cigars, we traversed the distinctive manners of this storied city, from the enigmatic ‘Pittsburgh left’ to the genuine community spirit that makes it an ideal place to raise a family. Rob’s anecdotes, spanning a 23-year career touching every corner of sports, brought to life the city’s ethos—a fusion of respect, dignity, and a love for the game. His journey wasn’t without its twists and turns, from the humbling days as an unhurried option quarterback to the life-altering baseball advice that reshaped my grasp of the game. Recounting the path from Hobart College to Washington University in St. Louis, Deep truth was shared on how personal adversity and the pursuit of renewal post-high school sports injuries guided my decisions. This segment peels back the layers on the intersection of sports, education, and the lasting influence of mentorship, while also giving a nod to the importance of evolving and embracing change. Wrapping up our session, we dug into the craft of sports broadcasting—the camaraderie between anchors and analysts, akin to players on a basketball court, and the meticulous preparation that captures viewers’ attention. We swapped tales of our industry heroes and the pursuit of authenticity that connects us with our audience as if they’re friends sharing a drink. Each story, rich with the ethos of sports and broadcasting, invites listeners to step behind the scenes and discover the profound influence and the creativity that stokes our passion for this vibrant, ever-changing arena.
Grim Reaper in the 3rd!!! 25 Whiffs on the night! 6ip 7k and a Win against the Brew Crew…. Jared Jones is absolutely nasty!!!!
Ever found yourself reminiscing about the local legends that shaped your own journey? Join us for a heartwarming and insightful conversation with Pittsburgh’s own Guy Junker, a broadcasting giant who’s shared the airwaves with the city’s most iconic figures. We’re cracking open the treasure chest of memories, digging into the times Guy set pins in a bowling alley and sold hotdogs during the legendary Immaculate Reception. It’s a story that’s as much about the man behind the microphone as it is about the sports he’s brought to life for countless fans. As we swap tales of friendship and mentorship within the broadcasting realm, you’ll feel like you’re at the heart of a Pittsburgh sportscaster reunion. Guy’s anecdotes of late-night shows and jazz club escapades with industry greats like Stan and Bill Hillgrove will make you laugh and ponder the unique bonds that this field creates. These narratives aren’t just a walk down memory lane—they’re a testament to the enduring relationships and shared wisdom that keep the sports broadcasting spirit alive. Buckle up for a ride through the dynamic world of sports media, where we not only tackle the evolution of athlete-media relations but also share the personal triumphs and tribulations that come with the territory. Guy opens up about interviewing Michael Jordan and mastering player pronunciations, while I share my own pregame rituals and the rush of calling the game from the stadium. This episode isn’t just about looking back; it’s about the excitement of what’s to come and the winning mindset that drives us all, both in the press box and in life. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!!
9 Quotes about Jackie Robinson 1. “A credit to baseball and to America.”
Branch Rickey, Hall of Fame general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers 2. “To do what he did has got to be the most tremendous thing I’ve ever seen in sports.”
Pee Wee Reese, Hall of Fame Dodger shortstop and teammate of Jackie Robinson 3. “The greatest moment in the history of baseball”
MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred on Jackie Robinson joining the Brooklyn Dodgers 4. “He gave the black community a sense of hope, a sense of pride.”
John Lewis, civil rights leader and congressman 5. “A black person who had made it against the most tremendous odds.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu 6. “Jackie’s character was much more important than his batting average.”
Hank Aaron, Hall of Fame outfielder 7. “Jackie Robinson made his country and you and me and all of us a shade more free.”
Roger Kahn, author/sportswriter 8. “There’s a direct line between Jackie Robinson and me.”
Barack Obama, 44th U.S. President 9. “A giant in my eyes.”
Rachel Robinson, wife of Jackie Robinson and Founder of the Jackie Robinson Foundation
Each Milestone in a Bucco Uniform is just RIGHT!!!!! Congrats Brother!!! #300 It is natural to doubt. It is part of our humanity to fear. But the greater part of us is that which doubts both and fears neither. Craig D. Lounsbrough
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trust in the lord

with all your heart!

PROVERBS 3:5

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