Pirates Honor Longtime Broadcaster Steve Blass After 60 Years

The Pirates honored longtime TV analyst Steve Blass yesterday for his 60 years of service in an "emotional, on-field ceremony" before Reds-Pirates. Pirates play-by-play announcer Greg Brown "revealed that the franchise next year would open" its own HOF, with Blass as a "member of its introductory class" alongside Willie Stargell, Roberto Clemente, Honus Wagner and others. Before the game, Federal Street outside PNC Park was "lined with people, a playoff-like atmosphere." During the game, the ballpark was "filled with fans clutching Steve Blass bobbleheads." Blass, who is calling the final game of his career today, said, "There’s nothing better than knowing there are people that care about you" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 9/29).