Pittsburgh Pirates Celebrate Rookie's First Hit with Unique Tradition

Konnor Griffin, a highly-touted prospect, received an orange traffic cone after his RBI double in his MLB debut.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:29am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting a baseball player enthusiastically hoisting an orange traffic cone, capturing the excitement and camaraderie of the Pirates' unique celebration.The Pirates' quirky new tradition of celebrating rookies' first hits with an orange traffic cone adds a fun, lighthearted element to the game.Today in Pittsburgh

After Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Konnor Griffin recorded his first MLB hit, a double that drove in a run, the team celebrated the occasion with an unusual tradition - presenting him with an orange traffic cone. This new ritual was started this season by outfielder Jake Mangum as a way to commemorate significant moments for the team's young players.

Why it matters

The Pirates' quirky celebration highlights the team's efforts to build camaraderie and recognize the achievements of its up-and-coming talent. In a sport often criticized for lacking personality, this type of lighthearted tradition can help connect players with fans and showcase the fun side of baseball.

The details

In his MLB debut on Friday, highly-touted Pirates prospect Konnor Griffin hit an RBI double off a curveball. After the hit, Griffin was presented with an orange traffic cone by his teammates, continuing a new tradition started this season by outfielder Jake Mangum. The cone celebration is meant to commemorate big moments for the team's young players in a unique and memorable way.

  • Konnor Griffin made his MLB debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

The players

Konnor Griffin

A highly-touted Pittsburgh Pirates prospect who recorded his first MLB hit, an RBI double, in his debut game.

Jake Mangum

A Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder who started the team's new tradition of celebrating players' first hits with an orange traffic cone.

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What they’re saying

“Got to hoist the cone (in) celebration. This team's awesome. We're going to do a lot of great things.”

— Konnor Griffin, Pittsburgh Pirates Rookie

The takeaway

The Pirates' unique celebration of Konnor Griffin's first MLB hit with an orange traffic cone reflects the team's efforts to build camaraderie and recognize the achievements of its young players in a fun and memorable way, which can help connect the team with its fanbase.