Wilson: Pirates great Steve Blass to stop broadcasting after 2019 season

From Nubyjas Wilson at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on January 15, 2019:

A journalistic cardinal sin was committed and pardoned on Tuesday. No cheering in the press box is a rule that’s typically never broken. Unless its Pirates color commentator and 1971 World Series hero Steve Blass telling a packed press conference room that his 34th season will be last behind the mic.

“It’s time for me to stop and smell the roses. I’ve driven by the roses many times over the last 60 years, but now it’s time to stop and smell them,” Blass said. “It’s been a wonderful run. My wife, Karen, and I decided that it was time for me to slow down. I’m going to do the whole season, [then] I’ll be in a reduced role as an ambassador with the organization.”

Blass regaled a large contingent of media members and friends with a riveting speech that went a little over 30 minutes. After he was done, Blass received one of several rousing ovations during the day.

Read the full article here: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2019/01/15/pittsburgh-pirates-broadcaster-steve-blass-retire-2019/stories/201901150093

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Originally published: January 23, 2019. Last Updated: January 23, 2019.