The Pittsburgh Pirates, you guys! They've been spanking their fans for years, but now they've won 19 games in May. They haven't lost a series since May 5. Last night they won 1-0 for the fourth time in 11 games. And cuddly color man Steve Blass is just tickled by it all.
(I know it's only May 31. Shut up and let me enjoy this.)
Steve Blass is a Pirates lifer. As a player, he was synonymous with the yips, but he was also a 1971 World Series hero, his pitching brilliance overshadowed by Roberto Clemente's do-everything mastery. Blass has spent nearly 30 years spinning devilish yarns in the Buccos' broadcast booth, his corny humor livening up the frequently dreary experience of listening to bad baseball. (A few weeks ago, when the Pirates played the Mets, Blass at one point said he always enjoyed Saturday day games in New York. Why? Because they freed up the night for having a grand ol' time around the big city.)
Steve Blass is every Pirates fan's fun, goofy uncle. He's prone to losing his mind sometimes. But he understands the sadomasochism of having to watch this team every night. The Pirates are fun again, and Steve Blass couldn't find the right word to express his excitement. So he blurted out the perfect one.