'It really shaped me': David Bednar reflects on his time with the Pirates

NEW YORK -- When David Bednar returned to the home clubhouse at Yankee Stadium after playing catch on Monday afternoon, there was a surprise waiting at his locker.

Twenty-four of them, in fact.

Before the Pirates arrived in New York, Bednar half-jokingly asked Pittsburgh’s assistant clubhouse manager Nik Cook and head of Major League video Kevin Roach to bring him some IC Light.

So, they delivered to Bednar a beverage that became synonymous with the two-time All-Star when he played for his hometown team from 2021-25.

“I’m glad they followed through,” Bednar joked before the Pirates opened a three-game series with the Yankees. “It’s a little tough to get IC Light out here.”

Fun stuff aside, Bednar spoke glowingly of his time in Pittsburgh, how much the Pirates have meant to his career and what he thinks of their success this season.

After they acquired him in the Joe Musgrove trade, Bednar made the Major League team out of Spring Training in 2021 and quickly worked his way to the back of the bullpen, reaching the All-Star Game in 2022 and ’23.

Bednar’s best season with the Pirates was the second of those, when he had a 2.00 ERA and 39 saves, walking just 21 and striking out 80 in 67 1/3 innings.

Not bad for a 35th-round pick of Lafayette in 2016.

“From growing up there and rooting for them when I was younger, all of that aside, I was able to establish myself as a big leaguer there,” the Mars product said. “They gave me the runway to have some success. I had some success, had some failures, had a little bit of everything. It really shaped me into who I am today. I couldn’t be more appreciative of my time there. A lot of good memories.”

Few MLB players did more charity work than Bednar during his time with the Pirates, hence why he was a three-time Roberto Clemente Award nominee. Even on Monday, Bednar was again interacting with fans, trying to brighten kids’ days.

Whether it was youth camps, Thanksgiving events or community-outreach programs, Bednar was always available, always willing to help.

He also blossomed into a clubhouse leader due to his stellar performance. From 2022-23, only six guys totaled more saves than Bednar (58).

“It’s tough facing him from the other side,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “He’s meant so much to the Pirates. Did a great job for us. Weird seeing him in a Yankees uniform.”

As much success as Bednar had in Pittsburgh, he also experienced the other side. In 2024, Bednar rushed back from lat soreness and never found his groove, pitching to a 5.77 ERA in 62 appearances and blowing seven saves.

The following season, Bednar was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis, which ultimately helped him get back on track, before the Pirates traded him to the Yankees for Rafael Flores Jr., Edgleen Perez and Brian Sanchez on July 31.

Bednar still follows his (second) former team plenty and knows pitching against the Pirates won’t be easy.

“They certainly hit,” Bednar said. “Will have to make pitches. It’s cool to see. They’re doing well.”

Bednar said he was excited to reconnect with several former teammates over these three days, though that group has changed plenty in a short amount of time.

Still, he had a good relationship with Mitch Keller, Bryan Reynolds and especially Kelly, the two spending a lot of time together over the winter.

More than anything, Bednar was genuinely excited that things have improved with the Pirates.

“It’s cool to watch from afar and the success these guys are having this year,” Bednar said. “The city of Pittsburgh deserves that. They deserve winning baseball. It’s such an unbelievable sports town. It’s been cool to watch from afar, check in with my guys and see they’re all doing well.”

No interview with Bednar is complete without the obligatory Steelers question, and this was no different. He was sad to see Mike Tomlin go, but Bednar is also extremely pleased with what he’s seen out of Mike McCarthy so far.

In other words, he’ll be enjoying a few IC Lights at Acrisure Stadium once baseball season ends.

“I’m pumped up,” Bednar said. “Tough to see [Tomlin] go. The success he had and for how long, it’s so impressive. But McCarthy being a yinzer, are you kidding me?

“If you weren’t excited after that press conference, you have to check your pulse. That got me going. All the reports seem like vibes are great. I’m looking forward to this year.”

Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH on X.