This is a love story. It’s a collection of tales about a life-long relationship between the Pittsburgh Pirates and its fans. The story of the five-time World Championship team overflows with anecdotes and illustrations that tell us a great deal about the team, about the city, and about the people who call Pittsburgh their home. In a sense, the history of the Pirates is a mirror image of the people who were schooled in the “steel-mill mentality.”

The Pirates have been blessed over the past 100-plus years with a colorful cast of characters who have never been shy about revealing their true feelings. From Babe Adams to Joe Cronin to Roberto Clemente, and on to John Candelaria, Danny Murtaugh, and Willie Stargell, the players and coaches profiled share with their fans a focus on never giving up until the last out is recorded. Some stories will make readers laugh, some will bring a tear, and all are endlessly fascinating.

This book is a must-have for fans of the Bucs, and fans of stellar baseball writing.

John McCollister

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