My 10 seconds of fame
PITTSBURGH — Due to less-than matinee looks, and a voice that is not suited for the radio, I have been relegated to working in a newspaper office.
As much as I love working for the Herald-Standard, my goal growing up was to be on television as a sports announcer after I realized I wasn’t much of an athlete.
However, I received my roughly 10 seconds of fame when the ROOT Sports cameraman (I can’t thank you enough, sir, whomever you are) put yours truly on the tube as Mark Melancon and the Pittsburgh Pirates were putting the finishing touches on a 9-8 victory over the Baltimore Orioles Wednesday night at PNC Park.
My sweet and loving girlfriend, Megan, said it was because I am so good looking. I don’t know if the majority of the viewers are in agreement, but I guess my Pirates shirt, hat and probably my beard drew attention to ROOT Sports.
As the camera was shoved in my face I wasn’t really sure what to do, but the cameraman gestured, without saying, “You’re on the air, stupid, do something” to show some enthusiasm.
I am not sure what was actually shown, but according to my texts from co-workers in the H-S newsroom and Jim Pierce, who is not only a wrestling coach, but a police officer, I was the only one on the screen at the time.
I decided to clap, give the double thumbs up, and, in honor of Ric Flair, shout “WOOO.”
Megan’s cousin, Jenny, texted her that I was on TV.
The main storyline is always the game, in which the Bucs were able to overcome Wandy Rodriguez’s horrible start for the victory, and a split in the two-game set.
Rodriguez’s performance has all but assured his days of being a Pirate are over as the lefty was designated for assignment Thursday.
The older gentleman behind us summed it all up in two words: “He sucks.”
It may not be nice, but it appears to be an accurate statement.
Rodriguez allowed six runs in 1 2/3 innings. Only one of those runs was earned, however, Rodriguez made the error that allowed the runs that scored.
He exited in the second inning to a chorus of boos from the faithful at PNC Park.
Baltimore starter Chris Tillman was equally as bad in allowing eight runs before being pulled in the second.
With the Pirates leading 8-6 after two, the bullpens took over with four scoreless innings until the Orioles came through with two in the seventh to tie the score at 8-8.
Tony “Clutch” Sanchez came through again with an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to score Starling Marte.
Sanchez always produces when I attend Pirates games. He hit home runs in back-to-back spring training games, one being an intrasquad game, and the other being against the New York Yankess.
The third-string catcher, who is the future starter, also ended the 16-inning marathon against the Chicago Cubs when he singled home the winning run.
The celebration for the 1979 Pirates was a very fitting tribute. I was not even a thought when the Bucs last won the World Series, but it was nice to see all the stars.
I’m sure Willie Stargell was pleased with the performance from the 2014 Bucs.
Watching the Pirates pull out a huge win and being on TV was only rivaled by watching Nick Leyva wave home nine runners from his spot at third base.
That, and getting to high five the Pirate Parrot and the pierogies before the big race.
Herald-Standard sports writer Jonathan Guth can be reached at jguth@heraldstandard.com and jonathanguth85@gmail.com.