Pirates Broadcast Recreates Iconic Masters Intro

SportsNet Pittsburgh pays homage to golf's biggest event during series finale against Cubs

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented scenes of a baseball game and the Masters golf tournament, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives capturing the energy and excitement of both sports.SportsNet Pittsburgh's innovative broadcast blended the excitement of baseball with the prestige of the Masters, creating a unique viewing experience for fans.Augusta Today

Before their series finale against the Chicago Cubs, the Pittsburgh Pirates' broadcast, produced by SportsNet Pittsburgh, paid tribute to the Masters Tournament by recreating the iconic intro for the golf event using the backdrop of Wrigley Field and the event's theme song, with play-by-play announcer Greg Brown channeling his best Jim Nantz impression.

Why it matters

The Pirates' broadcast decision to intertwine the worlds of baseball and golf's most prestigious tournament was a creative and tasteful way to celebrate the shared traditions of spring sports, even as the Pirates ultimately fell short in their bid for a series sweep against their NL Central rivals.

The details

The Pirates' broadcast perfectly recreated the Masters intro, using Wrigley Field's historic setting and the event's iconic theme music. Despite jumping out to an early 5-0 lead thanks to a Brandon Lowe grand slam, the Pirates were unable to hold on, as the Cubs rallied late to tie the game in the 8th inning before walking it off in the 9th.

  • The Pirates' broadcast aired before the team's series finale against the Cubs on April 12, 2026.
  • The annual Masters Tournament was taking place concurrently at Augusta National Golf Club.

The players

Greg Brown

The Pirates' play-by-play announcer who channeled his best Jim Nantz impression during the Masters-themed broadcast.

Oneil Cruz

The Pirates' leadoff hitter who opened the game with a solo home run.

Brandon Lowe

The Pirates' second baseman who hit a grand slam and a solo home run to power the team's early offensive outburst.

Bubba Chandler

The Pirates' starting pitcher who surrendered a pair of solo home runs in the third inning.

Justin Lawrence

The Pirates' reliever who gave up the tying runs in the 8th inning.

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What’s next

The Pirates, who sit atop the NL Central at 9-6, will now return home to host a four-game series against the Washington Nationals starting on April 13, followed by a three-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays from April 17-19.

The takeaway

The Pirates' creative broadcast tribute to the Masters showcased the shared traditions and crossover appeal between baseball and golf, two of the most iconic spring sports. While the Pirates ultimately fell short in their bid for a series sweep, the broadcast's homage to the Masters was a memorable moment that connected the two sports' passionate fanbases.