If there’s one thing a Pittsburgher hates, it’s when an outsider disrespects one of their own, even if it was over something completely irrelevant. Something, like, say, the Home Run Derby.
To most of the 39,000+ fans in attendance for Friday night’s extra innings win, David Wright disrespected a Pirate player and, therefore, the city.
When Wright originally selected the NL contestants for the Home Run Derby, Pedro Alvarez’s name was left off despite being one of the top home run hitters in the 2013 season. Instead, Wright selected his childhood friend, Michael Cuddyer. The decision stirred a lot of anger in this town as it seemed obvious Pedro Alvarez deserved a spot. Columns were written by local media members ostracizing Wright and advocating the fans boo him when he stepped into the batter’s box against the Pirates.
And that’s just what they did.
The fans booed David Wright every time his name was announced despite the fact that Alvarez was already added to the Home Run Derby a day earlier. The booing seemed inappropriate and there were several reactions on social media and the broadcasting crew to further that point. Why boo a player for doing something wrong when, in the end, the situation played out the way you wanted to? That was the main question from people watching the game at home.
But what was completely overlooked was this: the fans stuck behind Pedro Alvarez.
The same player who was called an overweight, busted, wrong cap wearing, trade-baiting, failure of a second overall pick, is now rapidly becoming a fan favorite. His 24 home runs before the All-Star Break -tying him with Willie Stargell for third most in Pirates’ history- are certainly the main reason why he’s become a star in Pittsburgh. Suddenly the questions about his weight, effort, and ability are dying down and fans are simply enjoying watching him stroke the baseball with power only legends of the game have possessed.
Yes, Alvarez’s merits have thrusted him into the spotlight, but David Wright’s original Home Run Derby decision also helped tremendously. Ironically, the man nicknamed “Captain America” for his leadership, skill, and class, is a villain in Pittsburgh instead of a hero.
Don’t believe me? Watch Pedro’s home run and look at all the fans staring at third base as Alvarez heads to the dugout after touching home plate. Thousands of eyes set on number five in blue. “Pedro! Pedro! Pedro,” they chanted later.
The obsession with seeing Alvarez get “revenge” on Wright was gnawing on Pirates’ fans and it forced them to root for Pedro to knock every pitch out of the ballpark. It seems trivial but like Pedro’s approach to the plate, maybe simpler is better. Maybe it’s the reality that a Pittsburgh Pirate came through when the entire city stood behind him. Whatever it is, it’s beautiful to witness.
What Pedro Alvarez is doing to baseballs right now is tremendous for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The reaction he’s getting from the hometown crowd is just as exhilarating. Will this hold up or will the crowd turn on him if he goes into a slump? It’s tough to say. Given the consistency of Alvarez’s performance in June and July, we may not know for quite some time.
Maybe by then fans will forgive David Wright.
Photo courtesy of Yahoo! Sports
