Pirates Broadcaster Steve Blass Retiring After '19 Season

PITTSBURGH, PA - After a 60-year affiliation with the Pirates, including 34 as a broadcaster, Steve Blass will retire after the 2019 season. Blass made the announcement Tuesday.

Blass, 76, was a World Series hero for the team in 1971, throwing two complete game victories in the Pirates seven-game championship win over the Baltimore Orioles. He first signed with the team in 1960.

"Sixty seasons with the Pirates, one organization in one city, I am so very proud of that. It ranks right up there with anything I have ever done on the baseball field. It has been a wonderful run," Blass said in a statement. "My wife, Karen, and I felt that it was time to step away from my broadcasting duties in order to have more time to spend together and with our family and friends. I have spent many years driving by the roses, but now it is time for me to stop and smell the roses.”

Pirates owner Bob Nutting said. "For 60 seasons, Steve has represented the Pirates with humility, grace, pride and passion. Words cannot express how appreciative we at the Pirates organization are for his dedication or how beloved he is and always will be."

In September, the Pirates plan to give fans a Blass dual player-broadcaster bobblehead. He also will be recognized on the field at PNC Park.

Photo via Pittsburgh Pirates.

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