On the golf course, Neal Shipley loves consulting his pin sheet, believing it increases his focus. The Mt. Lebanon native also appreciates caddies who keep copious notes, detailing every shot, the distance and wind involved, anything to “keep a little bit of the history.”
Shipley finds the same solace with baseball and scorekeeping.
Fresh off the 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Shipley threw out a ceremonial first pitch before the Pirates’ 5-1 victory over the Mariners on Thursday at PNC Park.
During the game, Shipley sat with his dad — also named Neal — drinking Iron City beer and meticulously keeping score with two pencils, the same as the Shipleys have always done.
Dad kept his own book, in a giant blue binder that dates back to July 2014; the Shipleys focused on every pitch. It was honestly refreshing.
“In this day and age, you watch a ballgame on TV, you’re so on your phone and focused on other things,” Shipley said. “I think [keeping score] is nice. When you keep a scorecard, it keeps you present in the moment. You have to watch the game to be able to do it.
“I love that. I’ve always thought going to the ballpark is a perfect opportunity to put your phone down, to get away from Instagram and social media for a good 2-3 hours and just enjoy a game.”
The Shipley tradition started when Neal Sr. was a kid. He went to a Pirates game with his dad, and they bought a scorecard. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to wait out a rain delay and had to go home.
But Neal Shipley Sr. listened to the rest of the game on the radio and kept score. He’s been hooked ever since.
“You pay attention to the game a little bit more,” Neal Sr. said. “I taught my daughter to keep score. I think it promotes a discussion of the game.”
There’s no problem with that when it comes to the Shipleys.
Neal Shipley Jr. is known for his genuine personality and approachability, and that certainly tracked Thursday. He couldn’t have been nicer or more accommodating.
Whether it’s been on the Korn Ferry or PGA Tour — where he’s played The Masters and multiple U.S. Opens — Neal Shipley is a devout Pirates fan, purchasing the MLB.com package so he can watch his favorite team in any city, not to mention Apple TV for the random ones that pop up there.
The Shipleys were at the 2013 NL Wild Card and called it the best sporting event they’ve ever seen. The younger Shipley’s eyes lit up talking about Jason Bay, Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson, plus the obscure stuff like witnessing James McDonald’s Pirates debut.
“It was always really fun going to games with my dad,” Neal Jr. said. “I remember running the bases as a kid or having the bobblehead days. A lot of great players have come through this town. It’s been fun to follow along.”
As for the first pitch, Shipley admitted he was pretty nervous, though he pitched some in high school. “The most I’ve been in a while,” he said.
Really?
From a guy who has played at Augusta National Golf Club? Who’s hit the toughest of golf shots in front of giant galleries?
“That’s my job,” Shipley said, laughing. “I don’t get as nervous doing that.
“I remember throwing a first pitch at a Tigers game as a part of a promotion for the Rocket Morgan Classic. It’s just so different. I haven’t been training for this. I haven’t thrown a ball in probably two years. It’s like riding a bike, though.”
There are some interesting parallels between baseball and golf, Shipley said.
If you throw a bad pitch or hit a bad shot, you can’t dwell on it. There’s another one coming right around the corner.
It’s that challenging mental aspect that resonates with Shipley, who two years ago became only the sixth player to finish as a low amateur at the Masters and U.S. Open in the same year.
“It’s all about how you move past things and perform with the next opportunity,” Shipley said.
The interesting non-comparison for Shipley includes venues. He went to Ohio State and saw the Buckeyes play Michigan at Ohio Stadium. He’s played Augusta. Yet for Shipley, nothing will ever replace PNC Park, especially when it plays host to playoff baseball.
It’s why when he’s out golfing, he’s almost always watching the Pirates and making sure he stays true to his Pittsburgh roots.
“I try to carry that Yinzer mentality, be tough and play with some Pittsburgh pride when I’m out there,” Shipley said. “I’m the only guy [on tour] who has a really solid Pittsburgh connection. I know I represent the city. It’s important to me to carry myself with that in mind.”
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH on X.