INSIDER TRIVIA

Which Hall of Fame pitcher did Steve Blass and the Pirates defeat when Blass made his first Major League start in 1968?

A. Don Drysdale
B. Bob Gibson
C. Fergie Jenkins
D. Juan Marichal

A. Blass and the Bucs beat Don Drysdale and the Dodgers, 4-2, in Los Angeles on May 18, 1964. Blass pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just two runs (one earned), while striking out seven. Steve finished his rookie campaign with a 5-8 record and 4.04 ERA. He would go on to pitch for 10 seasons with the Bucs, compiling a 103-76 record, 57 complete games and 16 shutouts in 282 games (231 starts).

Blass will retire from the broadcast booth at the conclusion of the 2019 season, his 60th as a member of the Pirates organization. The Pirates will honor Blass and his many contributions to the organization with an on-field celebration at PNC Park prior to the game on Saturday, September 28, against the Cincinnati Reds.