In recent weeks, Pirates Major League Baseball has captivated fans with thrilling pennant races and the excitement of the Wild Card rounds, leading up to the Division Series. The final week of the season showcased numerous storylines, such as Shohei Ohtani’s impressive performance (ending with a 54/59 ratio), Aaron Judge’s near-miss at 60 home runs (finishing with 58), and Jose Ramirez’s pursuit of a 40/40 season, which fell short at 39/41 due to a rainout.
However, amid these compelling narratives, the focus also shifted to the Oakland Athletics, as they prepared for their last days in Oakland after 57 seasons. The team’s farewell culminated in a sold-out final home game, where fans gathered to celebrate their love for the A’s while expressing their disdain for owner John Fisher.
Fisher’s letter to fans, which acknowledged their passion but failed to appreciate their efforts to retain the team in Oakland, did not resonate well. Many fans found his words insincere, especially after two decades of minimal communication from him.
While the Athletics saga unfolded, Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting stepped into the spotlight, further disappointing fans. The Pirates are viewed with skepticism, as many anticipate young talents will soon leave for better opportunities elsewhere.
The Pirates, despite a promising start to the season, faded towards the end, finishing 21-33 in August and September. Nevertheless, a solid core of players remains, providing hope for the future, especially with promising pitching prospects and veteran guidance from Andrew McCutchen.
Adding to the frustration, the Pirates made headlines by releasing fan-favorite Rowdy Tellez just four at-bats shy of a $200,000 bonus. While general manager Ben Cherington claimed the decision was unrelated to the bonus, many fans viewed it as a harsh treatment of a player who had contributed to the team. Critics argue that the Pirates could have easily kept Tellez for just one more game to allow him to hit the milestone.
This decision not only reflects poorly on the organization but also raises questions about how the Pirates attract talent moving forward. Fans are left wondering which players would want to join a team that treats its players in such a manner. The Pirates’ financial situation—valued at $1.32 billion—suggests that the $200,000 could have been a small price to pay for goodwill and positive public relations.
Ultimately, the overlap of consistently losing teams and poor management is glaring. Nutting’s tenure has drawn comparisons to that of other struggling owners, and many fans believe the Pirates deserve better leadership. By adopting a more community-focused approach, as seen in other small-market teams, the Pirates could foster a more positive environment for players and fans alike. Instead, they continue to disappoint their loyal supporters.