HOUR 2 - Steve Blass, Phil Mains, Pat Narduzzi

Former Pirates pitcher & broadcaster Steve Blass joined the show. Steve had a pair of the most legendary moments of any pitcher in Pirates history and told a little story about his dad when the team won the World Series in 1971. Steve admitted that he is always optimistic about the Pirates, but he is certainly feeling that about this year’s club. He said he can’t wait until the home opener next Friday and the special feel of the first baseball game of the season. Steve talked about the time he faced off against Tom Seaver and the Mets to open the season – he threw 10 innings and Seaver tossed 9 in a 1-0 Mets win in 43-degree weather. Steve has so much excitement for the young studs on this Pirates team – including Konnor Griffin, who isn’t on the big-league club yet. Steve said, as a former pitcher, watching Paul Skenes is special every single time. Steve talked about the charity events he has taken part in that help the city he shined as a sports star and why he gets so much joy out of helping the community in any way he can. Pat McAfee Show CFO Phil Mains joined the show. Chris asked Phil if he has the toughest job of anyone associated with Pat McAfee, since he’s the guy that balances the books every month. Phil is the center of the team that has been so generous to the community with his pals from Plum Borough. He joked about not being a guy that speaks for a living, but getting to help the city he loves at the same time. Phil said it’s all about taking care of your people and your neighbors who may be in greater need than you. With some Pittsburgh sports questions, Phil said he’s excited for a new era of Steelers football led by Mike McCarthy after nearly 2 decades under Mike Tomlin. Phil is still optimistic that the Penguins will still make the playoffs. What will Konnor Griffin look like when he comes up? Phil thinks it’s hard to not be excited about the Pirates lineup and a pitching staff led by Paul Skenes. Did Phil have any tips for Donny driving to-and-from Indianapolis for Friday’s show. An impromptu Name Game with Phil that resulted in 3600 meals being donated to the Greater PGH Community Foodbank. Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi joined the show. Pat talked about Kyle Louis, who is getting set for the NFL Draft after a successful career at Pitt. Chris asked Pat about the second year of Mason Heintschel on-deck and how excited he is to see his young QB develop more in Pittsburgh. Pat shared his stories of giving back to the foodbank each and every year, and the importance of preaching to his players about giving back to the community in any way they can. He said teaching the youth how to give back, not only financially, but with their time and effort, it can create a successful domino effect as the years go on. Pat reflected on the interactions with Mike Tomlin, who he shared a facility with for over a decade on the South Side.