The year 2023 wasn't just another season for baseball; for some, it was a profound turning point that reshaped how they experience the game forever.
As a devoted Pittsburgh Pirates fan under the age of 50, I've witnessed a rather lean period for marquee moments from my beloved team. While the Pirates' return to the postseason and their Wild Card victory over the Cincinnati Reds were certainly thrilling, it felt like a fleeting glimpse of glory. The early 2010s brought a taste of success, but the subsequent dismantling of the core players I grew up cheering for was a crushing blow. Watching stars like Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte depart was particularly painful, leaving many of us struggling to find joy in watching the Pirates for a long time.
My passion for baseball was rekindled in September 2022 when I began writing for Bucs Dugout. However, 2023 stands out as the year that permanently altered my perspective on watching baseball. This new role meant immersing myself in the sport more deeply than ever before, a task that felt less like an obligation and more like a dream come true. Covering the Pittsburgh Pirates, my hometown team, has evolved into one of the greatest sources of happiness in my life.
The start of 2023 brought a wave of nostalgia and excitement to Pittsburgh with the return of Andrew McCutchen on a one-year deal. Seeing the 21st-century Pirate icon back in the city where he became a star felt like a trip down memory lane. Driving through town and seeing signs proclaiming "He's back" was an incredibly powerful and emotional experience. It was a fantastic way to kick off the year, having a second chance to watch my favorite Pirate in action.
Beyond McCutchen's return, Pittsburgh was buzzing with a host of promising young talent. I was particularly enthusiastic about the potential of the third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes and shortstop Oneil Cruz tandem, envisioning them as a baseball pairing as electrifying as Ghostface Killah and Raekwon the Chef are in hip-hop. I also had high hopes for Quinn Priester, one of the top pitching prospects in the Pirates' system, and rushed home from work to witness his debut in July. Even Endy Rodriguez was making waves in the Minor Leagues, and Luis Ortiz was an exciting starter to watch. Of course, as we all know, none of us have a crystal ball!
Looking back, the Pirates as a team didn't quite reach championship heights, finishing the season with a 78-86 record, placing them fourth in the NL Central. While not a stellar season, it was a significant improvement, avoiding another 100-loss season. Despite the team's overall performance, there were some memorable milestones that were a joy to write about and witness. Andrew McCutchen achieved his 2000th career hit, offering fans a poignant glimpse into the past as he turned back the clock for the Buccos. The future also shone brightly with the Pirates selecting pitcher Paul Skenes first overall in the 2023 draft. It didn't take long for Skenes to demonstrate his impact, making his MLB debut the very next season. One can only hope the Pirates nurture this talent effectively.
While the return of 'Cutch was a personal highlight, it didn't translate into postseason success for the Pirates. They didn't make the playoffs or play in any high-stakes games, finishing as many had predicted. However, even with my hometown team's struggles, I had the privilege of witnessing my nation's team compete on the grandest stage in what I consider the most exhilarating contest I've ever experienced as a baseball fan.
The 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) truly set the sport ablaze. For the first time, it felt like every participating nation brought their absolute best, and for Team USA, this was an incredibly exciting prospect. During my enlistment in the Air Force, my deep-seated love and pride for my country had me completely engrossed in the WBC games. Team USA boasted a lineup that felt like something out of the Avengers, with Mike Trout serving as captain and primary recruiter, bringing in fellow All-Stars like Trea Turner, Mookie Betts, Kyle Schwarber, and even our own David Bednar.
Team USA was formidable, but so was the competition. In a nail-biting quarterfinal game against Venezuela, the Americans found themselves down by two runs in the eighth inning. With the bases loaded, Trea Turner stepped up to the plate. Facing an 0-2 count, Turner turned on an 86mph pitch, sending it soaring over the wall for a dramatic grand slam. This single hit remains one of the most incredible highlights I've ever witnessed as a sports fan. Although Team USA ultimately fell to Team Japan in the finals, that game was a perfect encapsulation of a heavyweight slugfest – baseball at its absolute highest level on the world stage. While America came up just short, make no mistake, we will be back.
As a child, I cherished playing baseball in my backyard and on neighborhood teams. I loved the spirited Pittsburgh teams that reignited a passion for baseball in the Steel City. It was disheartening to see those teams dismantled, and as a high schooler, I struggled to maintain my love for the game. As an adult and a young Airman, far from friends and family, writing about baseball reconnected me to the sport and the community I grew up loving, allowing me to fall back in love with the game. This is the true beauty of baseball. At its core, it's just a game, but it holds profound meaning for so many people for countless reasons. While 2023 was just another year for the Pirates, for me, it was the year that forever changed how I watch and enjoy baseball.
Now, I'd love to hear from you! In the comments below, tell us: what year permanently changed the way you watched baseball?
