2023 Reignited Baseball Passion for Young Pirates Fan

A writer's journey from disillusionment to reconnecting with the game he loves

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:39am

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As a young Pittsburgh Pirates fan, the author describes how his love for baseball was reignited in 2023 through a new writing job covering the team, the return of fan favorite Andrew McCutchen, and the excitement of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Though the Pirates didn't make the playoffs, the author found renewed joy in following the game closely and witnessing key moments like McCutchen's 2,000th hit.

Why it matters

This story resonates with many sports fans who have experienced periods of disillusionment with their favorite teams, only to rediscover their passion through unexpected events or new perspectives. It highlights how baseball's ability to bring communities together and provide lifelong memories can reignite fandom, even when a team is struggling on the field.

The details

The author, a young Pittsburgh Pirates fan, describes how his love for baseball waned after the team dismantled its core players in the early 2010s. However, in 2022, he landed a writing job covering the Pirates, which reignited his passion for the game. The 2023 season brought further excitement, with the return of fan favorite Andrew McCutchen and the thrilling 2023 World Baseball Classic, where Team USA narrowly lost in the finals. While the Pirates had a mediocre 78-86 season, the author found joy in witnessing McCutchen's 2,000th hit and the debut of top prospect Paul Skenes.

  • In September 2022, the author began writing for Bucs Dugout, a Pittsburgh Pirates blog.
  • At the start of 2023, the Pirates signed Andrew McCutchen to a one-year deal, reuniting the star with the city.
  • In July 2023, top pitching prospect Quinn Priester made his MLB debut for the Pirates.
  • In the 2023 MLB Draft, the Pirates selected pitcher Paul Skenes with the first overall pick.
  • The 2023 World Baseball Classic took place, with Team USA reaching the finals before losing to Japan.

The players

Andrew McCutchen

A star outfielder who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2009 to 2017 and was the face of the franchise during that time.

Ke'Bryan Hayes

A promising young third baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Oneil Cruz

A talented shortstop prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates' system.

Quinn Priester

A top pitching prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates' farm system who made his MLB debut in 2023.

Paul Skenes

A pitcher selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Getting to write about baseball and cover the Pittsburgh Pirates was like a dream come true, and while it was shaky at first, it has become one of the greatest joys in my life.”

— The author (yahoo.com)

“Driving through the city at the time and seeing the signs donning the simple but powerful phrase 'He's back' was incredible. Getting to have a second chance at seeing my favorite Pirate back in Pittsburgh was an incredible way to start 2023.”

— The author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The author hopes that the Pirates do not 'mess up' the development of their 2023 first overall draft pick, Paul Skenes, who made his MLB debut the following season.

The takeaway

This story highlights how a personal connection to a team and the game of baseball can be reignited, even during periods of disappointment. The author's journey from disillusionment to renewed passion for the sport demonstrates the enduring power of baseball to bring joy and community to fans, regardless of a team's on-field performance.