PITTSBURGH (AP) — Clint Hurdle smiled and accepted best wishes as if he was a politician. He had a pen in one hand, and waved with the other.
It was Opening Day in Pittsburgh, and the Pirates new manager was starting to lay a new foundation with the fan base. With each new autograph he signed, it seemed as if it was another step toward a better relationship between the two parties.
The Pirates may have one of the true beauties in baseball — PNC Park — to call home, but it’s long been a struggle to keep fans coming back to the facility. Of course, when you’ve had 18 consecutive losing seasons, it makes things difficult.
But, with Hurdle and a mix of promising prospects and veterans in uniform, change may be on the horizon. And if the opening four-game series with the Colorado Rockies is any indication, the Pirates are on their way.
