On June 27, 1960, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed a 17 year old graduate from Housatonic High School, Connecticut for $4,000. From his rise to the majors, to throwing two complete game victories in the 1971 World Series, to becoming patient zero for “Blassitis” and to his run as the longest tenured broadcaster in team history, the Pirates are the only team Steve Blass has ever known.
On Tuesday morning, Blass announced 2019 will be his final season as a full-time broadcaster, hanging up his headset after 34 years.
“I’m not sure how this works. I’m more comfortable I guess with unconditional release than [a] press conference,” Blass said.