This story was excerpted from Alex Stumpf’s Pirates Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here . And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

In the 143-year history of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steve Blass just might have watched more games in person than anyone else. He’s been with the organization for over 50 years, ranging from a player to color commentator, and he’s still seen at PNC Park often even after stepping away from the broadcast booth in 2019.

He’s seen just about every Pirate since the ‘60s play in person, but he prefers to watch Paul Skenes at home. When Skenes asked why, Blass explained that on his start days, he wants to sit in his chair, watch that center-field camera angle on the broadcast and see how those pitches dance.

“He’s the perfect human

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