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The Bucco bandwagon is growing. The Pittsburgh Pirates are playing their best baseball in 31 years. At 16-7, the Pirates are a game and a half up on the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central and own the second-most wins of any team in baseball, trailing the 20-3 Tampa Bay Rays.
The Pirates are off to their best start since 1992, the last time the team was crowned division champions. There are still 139 games left in the 2023 season, but after back-to-back 100-loss seasons, any reason for optimism is welcomed with open arms. Now the national media is beginning to pay attention.
Pittsburgh was featured to start MLB Central Monday morning after winning seven in a row. Mark DeRosa broke out the treasure map to detail how the Bucs have put the wind back in their sails.
The @Pirates are 16-7 and sit atop the NL Central standings!@markdero7 and the #MLBCentral crew bring out the treasure map to discuss the hot start in Pittsburgh! ☠️ pic.twitter.com/7lhFTsdiYt
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 24, 2023
Plum native and NFL media star Pat McAfee is also feeling Bucco Fever.
Pittsburgh is now the home of baseball #PMSLive #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/XqQK2Rz5lP
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 24, 2023
The Pirates own the highest starting pitching ERA of any club through their past 13 games (2.15). Derek Shelton’s rotation recorded 11-consecutive quality starts during the span.
Despite oddly omitting the 1909 Pirates as World Series Champions, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo reflected on the Bucs’ past championships and his favorite moments surrounding the franchise.
The @Pirates' hot start was a perfect excuse to let @MadDogUnleashed go back in time...
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 25, 2023
What is your favorite Buccos moment ever? pic.twitter.com/jh3X0v4iLX
Recently recalled infielder Drew Maggi has also brought a buzz to the organization, waiting since 2010 for his chance to appear in a Major League game. At 33 years old, Maggi was promoted Sunday after over 3,800 minor league at-bats. After being drafted by Pittsburgh in the 15th round, he bounced around from various organizations and has the chance to bring his journey full circle at PNC Park. The last time he was at the park was the day he signed; the next may bring the moment he’s been dreaming of.
I even woke up this morning and... I had to look out the window and see PNC [Park] and I was like, 'Oh, it's still there. I'm really here.'"
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 25, 2023
Drew Maggi is soaking it all in, being called up to the @Pirates after 13 years in the Minor Leagues! #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/zjCsE7LM5M
It’s been a hell of a journey for Drew Maggi. pic.twitter.com/KPjXxLSj1B
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 23, 2023
Following years of pain and poor baseball, the Pirates are building something. This feels different. Comparisons were made to the 2011 team before the club departed from Bradenton, but this group of players made me believe from the start they’re closer to the 2012 Bucs. This means a few things, but especially that they might be closer than anyone could have thought.
The Pirates have won seven straight, the longest active streak in MLB ☠️
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 23, 2023
It's their longest winning streak since 2018 pic.twitter.com/TJMqAbVkSO
The question remains, how long can it last? Instead of grasping to that, enjoy the ride in the present. Who knows how far this team could go? It’s only April, but to lead the NL in wins without their star shortstop (Oneil Cruz), No. 3 starter (JT Brubaker), top free-agent bullpen signing (Jarlin Garcia), and first base power threat (Ji Man Choi) is an accomplishment in its own right. Sit back and relax, or stand up and continue to cheer. The national landscape, though, is taking notice, something that should is not easy for a small market club with four winning seasons over the past 30 years.
Enjoy good Bucco baseball regardless of the circumstances and perceived notions. This group has a chance to be the true beginning of good Pirates baseball back on the North Shore. Something we all can get behind.
7 game winning streak
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) April 23, 2023
Most Wins in the National League
The Rebuild is over. The Pittsburgh Pirates are HERE pic.twitter.com/fHrYmdhNvj
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