There’s a running joke in one of my group chats that Cole Young looks like a Disney prince who decided to play baseball instead (show me the lie). In tonight’s series opener against the Pirates, Young Prince Cole had a game fit for a golden era Disney film. Making his first-ever appearance as a big-leaguer in PNC Park, where the Pittsburgh-born Young grew up attending games, and in front of a host of friends, family, and former coaches – including his coach at North Allegheny High, Andrew Heck – Young had a go-ahead homer that would be the game-winner for the Mariners in a narrow 3-2 victory over the Pirates.
Pittsburg, PA
10 things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, from the Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show to the Happy New Yinz Party
What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Jan. 9-12? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Thursday, Jan. 9-Sunday, Jan. 12: “Funny Girl” at the Benedum Center
Various times
Tap your toes into 2025 with one of the high points of the new PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh season. The iconic musical (which starred Barbra Streisand when it debuted on Broadway in 1964) is only here for a limited one-week engagement, so don’t miss your chance to sing along to “I’m the Greatest Star” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade.” Starring Hannah Shankman, the semi-biographical story explores the life of comedian and Broadway star Fanny Brice. Follow unstoppable Fanny, from her childhood on NYC’s Lower East Side to pursuing her dreams on the stage.
The creative team reads like a who’s who of powerhouse award winners, with a score by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart and choreography by Ellenore Scott. Directed by Michael Mayer, the production showcases tap choreography by Ayodele Casel. Best experienced live, the bittersweet comedy celebrates resilience, ambition and self-acceptance. Tickets.
Friday, Jan. 10: Congress of Neighboring Communities (CONNECT) Symposium at Phipps Conservatory
9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Southwestern PA is home to the most local governments per capita in the country, and this first-of-its-kind symposium is dedicated to the wellbeing of government workers. The event was designed in response to a study by Eagle Hill Consulting showing that 41% of government employees experience burnout, 86% of whom reported health and wellness as the area most impacted by their job.
Representatives from the City of Pittsburgh plus 40 surrounding municipalities will gather to recharge, connect with nature and make meaningful connections with local officials. Sessions will help public sector professionals adopt holistic self-care practices, identify common public policy challenges and implement innovative solutions. Highlights include a resource fair, a garden dance party & “friendraiser” and a luncheon launching the Joni Schwager Champion of Mental Health in Local Government Award. Register.
Friday, Jan. 10, & Saturday, Jan. 11: “Collective Dreaming” at Artists Image Resource
6-9 p.m. & 12-3 p.m.
After a chance meeting in 2022, the Pittsburgh-based #notwhite collective and Denver’s Los Fantasmas have come together to create a multi-format artistic partnership. During a two-year collaboration, 20 featured artists from the two collectives “met virtually to share and discuss artistic and cultural practices,” leading to a national series exploring the concept of collectively dreaming. The project was launched in August 2024 at Yolia ArtSpace in Englewood, Colorado, with a group exhibition hosted by Los Fantasmas.
The Denver collective makes its Pittsburgh debut with the second group exhibition, where work by Indigenous, Chicano and Raza-identifying artists will be on view at AIR. Free opening weekend events include an artist reception with music by Geña y Peña and DJ SMI on Friday night, followed by a printmaking workshop on Saturday afternoon. The local installment is augmented by a four-month showcase of work at Sidewall in Bloomfield. The project concludes with a round table discussion, Collective Visibility: Conversations on Art, Identity and Community in the U.S., on Feb. 11 at Carlow University. Information.
Find more art events in our new monthly series, NEXT in the Gallery
Friday, Jan. 10: 21+ Night: Happy New Yinz at Carnegie Science Center
6–10 p.m.
Get ready to exclaim Happy New Year in your best yinzer accent. Head dahn to the Science Center to welcome 2025 with all things 412. Meet entertainer Joe Long, creator of the viral characters “Don and Deb,” City of Pittsburgh archivist Charles Succop and Fred Rogers Productions Chief Creative Officer Ellen Doherty. Wear your finest black and gold garments to charm the audience during Pittsburgh-themed Quiplash games led by Loose Cannon Comedy. Design the city’s next bridge (because 446 is never enough!), see artifacts from Carnegie Museum of Natural History and make prints with The Andy Warhol Museum. Play musical parking chairs, pierogi corn hole and mini golf featuring Pittsburgh icons and music. Tickets.
Saturday, Jan. 11: Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: A Moment of Beauty at Phipps
9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Appreciate the beauty in each moment and take a tropical daycation at Phipps. The all-new lush oasis showcases a vast variety of entrancing and ephemeral specimens. Be immersed in kaleidoscopic colors and journey through a collection of classically trained tropical bonsai. Encounter exquisite orchid blooms, stroll through butterfly sculptures and check out the stunning Kokedama displays. Read more about the exhibit in NEXT. Tickets.
Saturday, Jan. 11, & Sunday, Jan. 12: Pittsburgh RV Show at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Various hours
Daydreaming about your next road trip? Pittsburghers with wanderlust will love the country’s longest-running indoor RV Show, which rolls into the convention center for nine days. Spanning 350,000 square feet, it’s your go-to spot for the year’s biggest selection, lowest prices and best manufacturer incentives. Leading dealers will be on site displaying a staggering array of 400 RVs. Compare the latest models, try out RV accessories and get pro tips from industry experts. Read more about the RV Show in NEXT. Tickets.
Saturday, Jan. 11: Karl Mullen: A Clarion Call at ZYNKA Gallery
5-8 p.m.
ZYNKA Gallery, a hub for contemporary art in the region, kicks off the new year with an exhibition featuring a Dublin-born artist with deep Pittsburgh roots. See Karl Mullen’s collection of paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works explore the intersection of figurative and abstract forms at the free opening reception in Sharpsburg.
The artist provides some context and a hint at what viewers will experience: “We are all bombarded nonstop with bad news, insufferable political jockeying, advertisements for things we do not need and the inhuman acceleration of daily life. And so I paint, mark make and create images, not only as a refuge but a bulwark against an avalanche of lies and despair.” While living in Pittsburgh from 1976 to 2004, Mullen was a catalytic figure within the city’s art and music scenes. Information.
Saturday, Jan. 11: Jim Jefferies at Heinz Hall
7 p.m.
Australian comedian, actor and writer Jim Jefferies brings his new worldwide tour, Son of a Carpenter, to the Cultural District for just one night. Known for his brand of thought-provoking comedy, Jefferies has created more than 10 stand-up specials, including shows for Netflix and Comedy Central, while also makes the rounds at international comedy festivals. He has also appeared in films and TV shows, including the FX series, “Legit,” which he co-wrote, produced and starred in. Tickets.
Sunday, Jan. 12: Women’s Mixer: Fight the Sunday Scaries at Spirit
4-8 p.m.
Pittsburgh Girls Who Walk and Nerd Nite Pittsburgh team up to help us banish the Sunday Scaries with speed friending, pizza and games. The night starts with attendees rotating around in small social groups every 10 minutes. The goal is to create a welcoming house party vibe, where attendees can discover mutual connections and meet new people. After speed friending, City of Play will host party games such as Telestrations, Codenames and Monikers. Proceeds from the event, which is open to female-identifying guests, will support Girls Who Code. Tickets.
Sunday, Jan. 12: Full Wolf Moon Night Hike on Mount Washington
5-7 p.m.
Explore one of Pittsburgh’s most popular designations illuminated by the Wolf Moon. Welcome the first full moon of 2025 — named after howling wolves and also dubbed the Moon After Yule and Ice Moon — during this moderate, 4-mile hike led by Venture Outdoors. While traversing hillsides, twisting trails and beautiful vistas of Emerald View Park, you’ll learn about the continuous 257 acres of hilly woods surrounding the scenic neighborhood. Previous hiking experience is required. Meet the group at the Olympia Park parking lot (across from 510 Hallock St.). Tickets.
Find more things to do in Pittsburgh with NEXT, including live music, outdoor recreation and family activities, plus our new monthly guide to local art, NEXT in the Gallery.
Pittsburg, PA
14+ things to do this weekend, from the Andy Warhol Bridge 100th Birthday Bash to OpenStreetPGH
What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, June 25-28? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Thursday, June 25, Friday, June 26, & Saturday, June 27
Pittsburgh Dance Workshop and Choreography Festival at the Charity Randall Theatre
Various times
Bringing together emerging and established choreographers from across the region and elsewhere to present original works, the Pittsburgh Choreography Festival provides a platform for artistic innovation, collaboration and the creation of new dance experiences for local audiences. Featured artists and companies performing this year include Anthony Alterio, Bodiography, Confluence Ballet Co., D.A.N.A Movement Ensemble, Ebony Cunningham, Get Down Gang, Jothika Gorur, PearlArts Movement & Sound, Shana Simmons Dance, Texture Contemporary Ballet and others. Festival performances take place on Friday and Saturday at the University of Pittsburgh’s Charity Randall Theatre at 7 p.m.
Looking for something more intensive and hands-on? In conjunction with the festival, the Pittsburgh Dance Workshop offers classes, workshops and performance opportunities. Drop-in public classes run through Thursday and are $20. Tickets.
Thursday, June 25
“The Birdcage” at The Plaza at North Shore
6 p.m.
Pittsburghers have a new open-air movie theater to add to their summer fun list. Watch flicks under the stars at one of the city’s newest outdoor venues when The Plaza at North Shore launches its summer movies series on the big screen. To celebrate Pride Month, the free series kicks off with a 30th anniversary screening of “The Birdcage,” starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. Produced and directed by Mike Nichols, the 1996 comedy follows a gay couple who own a legendary drag club in South Beach, Miami.
A special pop-up performance with photo opps featuring local drag artists will get the revelry started at 6pm. The film begins at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by local personality Joe King, the drag show will pay homage to The Birdcage’s iconic characters and songs. The Plaza’s on-site eatery, SugarBird, will get in on the fun with tropical cocktails, soft serve ice cream, fried chicken, popcorn and cotton candy for moviegoers. The Plaza will host free movies on select Thursday nights through September. Attendees are encouraged to BYOS (bring your own seat). Information.
Thursday, June 25-Sunday, June 28
“BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical” at the Benedum Center
7:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m., 2 p.m.
What do you get when you cross a musical, a biopic and a jukebox filled with hits? Find out when the Pittsburgh CLO presents this all-new production of “BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical.” Sing your your heart out to iconic songs like “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “It’s Too Late,” “So Far Away” and more when this production rocks the Benedum. Be inspired by the remarkable true story of “a girl from Brooklyn who became one of the most successful singer-songwriters in music history.”
The must-see musical stars Kyra Kennedy (Carole King), Dylan S. Wallach (Gerry Goffin), Lee Harrington (Cynthia Weil) and Barrett Riggins (Barry Mann). The creative team features Director/Choreographer Dan Knechtges and Music Director Catie Brown. Don’t miss the Talkback with Cast on Thursday, June 25, following the performance, and the Female Singer-Songwriter Brunch on Sunday, June 28, at 11:30 a.m. Tickets.
Friday, June 26
Turn It Upstream Music Festival in Frick Park Hollow
5 p.m.
There’s a new music festival in town with an important mission. To celebrate the organization’s silver anniversary, UpstreamPgh is hosting a music festival in Frick Park Hollow near Regent Square. Turning upstream and turning up the music, the 25th anniversary party is hosted by WQED television producer, writer and narrator Rick Sebak. Welcoming all ages, the vibrant summer evening features music by Beauty Slap, Colatura, NASH.V.ILL, the anonymous chronicles, and DJ BusCrates. Located along Tranquil Trail, the festival midway will be lined with local artists and vendors, interactive demonstrations and activities for all ages, including eco-friendly screenprinting.
East End Brewing Co. and Goodlander Cocktail Brewery will offer a mix of alcoholic and NA options. Food will be provided by local food trucks Mr. Bulgogi and La Palapa. The event’s silent auction showcases unique items like lunch with Rick Sebak and a private hike with renowned mushroom hunter, Barbora Batokova. Proceeds from the sustainable, zero-waste event will support UpstreamPgh’s community engagement, clean water advocacy, and green stormwater infrastructure programming. Tickets. Read more about summer music festivals in NEXT.
Friday, June 26: Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District
5:30-9 p.m.
Now that summer is officially here, that means you have even more ways — and more daylight hours — to explore the city’s creative offerings. With its expanded year-round schedule, the Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District makes contemporary art even more accessible. Head Downtown to find the sidewalk stop signs identifying the participating venues in this multi-venue “open house” presented by Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Free to all, each crawl showcases what’s new in Pittsburgh’s dynamic art and entertainment scene Downtown. From visual arts, live music, dance, spoken word and more — it’s a chance to experience one of the liveliest nights in the city within a walkable footprint. Information.
Friday, June 26
Pride and Joy at The August Wilson African American Cultural Center
6 p.m.-12 a.m.
Keep your Pittsburgh Pride Month jubilation going right into summer, when the August Wilson African American Cultural Center hosts its fourth annual celebration “uplifting and honoring Black queer joy, creativity, music and community.” The festivities kick off with a special live podcast experience hosted by Rian-Louis. Dubbed RIANOUTLOUD!, the engaging conversation will feature “Black queer community and arts leaders and changemakers discussing creativity, identity, community impact and the importance of visibility and representation within the arts and beyond.” The program includes light refreshments and a cash bar.
Next, the party heats up with performances by Maya Universe and Manny Dibiachi, followed by an electrifying DJ battle between HUNY XO and Queen Father. Pride-goers are invited to “dance, celebrate, connect and experience a night centered on love, liberation and community.” Free STI testing and health resources will be available on-site through event partner, Central Outreach. Partygoers can also fuel up at Quick-E Food Truck. Register for free. Find more to do in the 2026 NEXT Pride Guide.
Friday, June 26
Sharif Bey: “Homecoming” Opening Reception at the Andy Warhol Museum
7-9 p.m.
For its next special exhibition, the Warhol Museum is showcasing the work and creative practice of Pittsburgh-born ceramic artist, sculptor and educator Sharif Bey. Celebrating Bey’s return to his hometown, the exhibit features “monumental ceramic sculptures” inspired by modernism, functional pottery and Oceanic and African art. Don’t miss tonight’s free opening reception featuring live music by the artist’s cousin, Ublai Bey and his band, Timeless.
Highlighting Bey’s “artistic development and emergence as a significant voice in contemporary art,” the works on view explore a range of themes, including childhood memories, Pittsburgh’s urban landscape, identity, home, personal history, memory, artistic roots and more. Bey’s work will be shown alongside artwork from the museum’s permanent collection by Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, underscoring how the three artists “engage deeply with themes of identity, culture and societal commentary.” “Homecoming” also aims to honor community arts education and Pittsburgh’s role in supporting artistic innovation. The exhibit will be on view through Oct. 12. Free with registration.
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Charmed at The Store at Contemporary Craft. Photo courtesy of Julie Celidonia. -
Charmed at The Store at Contemporary Craft. Photo courtesy of Julie Celidonia.
Saturday, June 27
Community Day and Charmed at Contemporary Craft
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
In conjunction with its next Community Day, the event will showcase handmade charms by 40 artists from around the country, including makers of contemporary jewelry along with Pittsburgh-based artists and regional craftspeople. All of the original charms are for sale to the public. Peruse a curated selection of pendants, keychains, charms and chains created by artists working in a wide range of craft media, such as metal, wood, beadwork and more.
Representing a vast array of materials, sizes, and styles, many of the featured pieces were fabricated exclusively for “Charmed,” and will be only available at The Store at Contemporary Craft. Featured artists include Lauren Kalman, Terry Lavin, Dongyi Wu, Jason Stein, Maria Camera-Smith, Sarah Sindler, Amanda Stumpf, Andrew Thornton and many more. Get a first look at the “Charmed” preview on Thursday, June 25, from 5 to 8 p.m., where attendees can shop the collection early and participate in an artist-led activity with Andrew Thornton. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Saturday, June 27
Andy Warhol Bridge 100th Birthday Bash
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, one of Pittsburgh’s oldest and longest Sister Bridges will mark its milestone centennial. Join Allegheny County to celebrate the only bridge in the country named for a visual artist. A free festival with games, music, food and summer fun, the unique bridge bash will also feature community art projects led by the Andy Warhol Museum and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. To celebrate the heritage of the bridge, local artist strawberryluna has created a special edition commemorative poster.
In 1925, Allegheny County awarded a contract to the American Bridge Co. to build the only three identically designed self-anchored suspension bridges in the world – now dubbed the Sister Bridges. Opened on June 17, 1926, the Seventh Street Bridge cost $1.4 million to build and is the oldest of the three Sister Bridges — and the longest, at 1,061 feet. In 2005, the Seventh Street Bridge was renamed to honor the King of Pop Art in celebration of the 10th anniversary of The Andy Warhol Museum just blocks away. The bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic for the free event. Information.
Saturday, June 27
Bellevue Pride at Andrew Bayne Park
12-4 p.m.
Head up the Ohio to Bellevue for the borough’s signature Pride celebration. For its fifth annual event, the festivities are revolving around the theme of “Fire and Dragons” to reflect concepts of transformation and renewal. The free community festival will fill Andrew Bayne Park with live stage entertainment, dozens of activities, scores of food trucks and more. Emceed by Gay Fieri, the festivities will feature accordionist Pat Septak, Pittsburgh-based cover band, Candy Ring, the Cool Kids Collaborative, DJs and more. Pop into the artisan fair featuring 40 booths showcasing local makers and area nonprofits. Organized by a consortium of local LGBTQIA+ volunteers and board members, Bellevue Pride aims to create an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment for the LGBTQ+ community all year long. Information. Find more to do in the 2026 NEXT Pride Guide.
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All photos courtesy of Alternate Histories.
Saturday, June 27
Yinzilla Day Block Party at the Alternate Histories Studio
3-7 p.m.
The monsters are due on Greenfield Avenue, and you’re invited to their friendly party. The studio’s second annual Yinzilla Day promises to be a “big celebration of Pittsburgh’s favorite monster.” Be there when Alternate Histories debuts this year’s new Yinzilla T-shirts and glassware, and shop in the mini maker market for everything from leather goods, artwork and zines, to illustrations, stickers and accessories. Check out screen-printing demos with Fio Avocado and make your very own Monongahela Monster T-shirt. Sample the new Yinzilla beer produced in collaboration with East End Brewing, enjoy summer tunes by local surf rock band The Yeggs and grab dinner from the La Palapa Taco Truck. Information.
Saturday, June 27
WYEP Summer Music Festival at Schenley Plaza
4 p.m.
Spread out a blanket and plop down a lawn chair to enjoy music with family and friends under the stars. Celebrating both national and homegrown music, this year’s festival will fill Oakland’s green space with live sets from Michigander, Ratboys, Jobi Riccio, Cam Chambers and Kahone Concept. The free rain-or-shine event is open to all ages. Looking for a bite to eat? The Porch at Schenley offers seated dining, and takeout is available through kiosks featuring cuisine from Asia Tea House, K Station and Omar’s Halal Grill. Information. Read more about summer music festivals in NEXT.
Sunday, June 28
OpenStreetsPGH through Downtown Pittsburgh and the South Side
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
If you’ve ever wanted to stroll, bike, skate or dance through the middle of the city’s streets with nary a car in sight, mark your calendar now for the kickoff of OpenStreetsPGH. Transforming Pittsburgh roadways into vibrant car-free spaces, this season’s inaugural event takes urban adventurers on a route through Downtown Pittsburgh and the historic South Side — including the rare chance to traverse an iconic tunnel and bridge without cars.
Hosted by BikePGH, the free event celebrates active transportation and community connection while highlighting the city’s neighborhoods, landmark architecture and dramatic topography. Join the 2-mile journey from Downtown Pittsburgh through Market Square, up Forbes Avenue and through the Armstrong Tunnel. Continue your journey across the scenic 10th Street Bridge to the South Side’s eclectic East Carson Street commercial corridor. Pop into Activity Hubs along the route to join fitness classes for all ages and abilities, participate in art activities and relax at cooling stations. Visit the Duquesne Light Co. Community Wellness Hub in Market Square to participate in BikePGH’s “off the course banana-themed Side Quest” and fitness classes hosted by the YMCA. At the Edgar Snyder Kids Hub, BikePGH will lead a “Learn to Ride” course for youth on East Carson between 19th and 21st streets. View a map. Read more about the event in NEXT.
Sunday, June 28
Queer Craft Market: Pride Edition at City Theatre
2-6 p.m.
Get crafty during Pride Month. This year, Pittsburgh’s premier queer DIY market takes the wares over to the South Side to set up shop in two spaces within City Theatre’s campus for the first time. Showcasing Pittsburgh’s talented LGBTQ+ maker community, the eclectic marketplace will feature more than 40 local vendors selling a wide variety of handmade Pride goods, from pins to prints to pens and more. Follow the market on Instagram to get a sneak peek of the wares on sale this weekend. Information.
6 more things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh
Thursday, June 25-Sunday, June 28: In Your Write Mind Writers Workshop at Seton Hill University in Greensburg
Friday, June 26: Jamie Baum Septet at MCG Jazz, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 26, & Saturday, June 27: Pittsburgh Noise Fest at Little Giant Studios
Saturday, June 27: PGH Social Club at the Schenley Park Overlook, 3-6 p.m.
Saturday, June 27: Reel Q presents “She’s the He” at The Glitterbox Theater, 7 p.m.
Sunday, June 28: Days Gone By Vintage Market at Velum Fermentation, 12-5 p.m.
Don’t miss the NEXTpittsburgh 2026 Pride Guide
The Mariners scored all their runs via the longball tonight, even though only two made it over the fence: they made 11 outs in the air, along with a pair of hard-hit lineouts, but the balls consistently died at the warning track. Meanwhile, the Pirates managed to scrape out a lead on George Kirby, first going up 1-0 in the second on a combination of an Endy Rodríguez double and a Marcell Ozuna RBI single, both hits coming on four-seamers that caught too much plate.
Pittsburgh would add on another run in the bottom of the third, although this wasn’t as much Kirby’s fault. Brandon Lowe singled on a curveball that was well-located, and then would come around to score on a weakly-hit ball off the bat of Nick Gonzales that J.P. Crawford couldn’t field cleanly. Today was the first day Crawford has looked shaky at third after being impressive in his first few turns at the position, but he was far from the only one performing some shaky defense, as even the normally sure-handed Colt Emerson threw one away, and Josh Naylor struggled to corral some of those wilder throws.
To his credit, Kirby was able to navigate around those hiccups and also some self-inflicted traffic. He and Cal Raleigh made a good adjustment after the first couple of innings, realizing the Pirates were keyed in on his fastball, and Kirby found the command over his sweeper, which had been somewhat all over the place in the early innings. Kirby leaned heavily on the sweeper over the rest of his outing, throwing it 46% of the time – normally he uses the pitch under 30% of the time, while halving the use of his fastball. All five of his strikeouts today came on the sweeper.
“It seemed like they had a pretty good gameplan of swinging first pitch, and I don’t blame ‘em,” said Kirby. “But I feel like I settled in pretty good once I got that slider working.”
The Mariners offense has been stingy with giving Kirby run support, but Cal Raleigh came through with his first homer after coming back from his stint on the IL, punishing a mistake slider Pirates starter Mitch Keller hung on the plate and finally getting a ball over the fence at PNC Park, a 393-footer to right center.
The Mariners would do just enough to get past the Pirates in the seventh inning, spurred on by the hometown kid, Cole Young. Luke Raley led off with a hustle double, lacing a sinker into center and running hard enough to beat Jake Mangum’s throw in. He needn’t have hustled quite so hard, though. With Young due up, 0-for-2 on the day so far with a pair of groundouts (including an inning-ending GIDP), the Pirates elected to leave in the righty Keller instead of going to the bullpen. Keller made a mistake pitch, leaving a sweeper right in Young’s lefty loop zone, and Young – who said he was just trying to hit a single into right to score the run – instead hit play on a highlight reel that will be replayed at every family gathering to come for years, crushing a go-ahead home run that went right past the section of his family and friends.
“I knew I got it good, so it had a chance,” said Young postgame. “t’s really special. I got my whole family, all my friends in the stands…It was a super surreal moment. It was great. I just kind of blacked out a little bit.”
“Just glad I got the job done,” he added, because once the son of a blue-collar rust belt city like Pittsburgh, always the lunchpail-toter.
The Mariners couldn’t add on after that despite some more traffic on the bases, leaving the back end of the bullpen just one measly run to work with. José A. Ferrer was terrific, putting down his assigned hitters in the seventh 1-2-3, Eduard Bazardo had to work a little harder, but was able to work around a single from lefty Ryan O’Hearn and a semi-intentional walk to Marcell Ozuna to keep the score intact. He might not have had a clean inning, but he did pick up a Pitching Ninja highlight:
Armed with that same one-run lead, Andrés Muñoz had the ninth and looked maybe the best he has all season: his fastball was up a full two ticks, averaging 100.7 and touching 102. He struck out the side, including Spencer Horwitz, who walks more than he strikes out, and ended his night on a filthy bit of sequencing to Brandon Lowe where he went down with a slider for a foul followed by high heat.
But tonight belongs to the Prince of Pittsburgh, Cole Young. In a season that’s been plagued by injuries, Young has been the Mariners’ iron man, playing every day. He’s been the steady lighthouse in an infield that’s been beset by injuries and mistakes both rookie and veteran, even flexing back to shortstop when needed despite the difficulties he experienced making the full-time shift to second base last year. Because of his availability and steady hand at the keystone, he’s essentially been unbenchable, meaning that as teams load up on lefties to serve the Mariners a bottomless buffet of southpaws, Young hasn’t been granted the day off, even as he’s gone through fallow periods with the bat.
Tonight, in front of friends and family and the high school baseball coaches who helped shape the player he is today, Young was rewarded with a fairy-tale moment. His high school coach even got the home run ball. Heck offered to give it back to Cole, but Cole told him to keep it, because what matters even more than the happily ever after are the people who helped you get there in the first place.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ pair of young quarterbacks received some refreshing news regarding Brendan Sorsby.
With the NFL opting not to hold a supplemental draft this summer and thus ensuring Sorsby’s only other opportunity to enter the league is by declaring for the 2027 NFL Draft, both Will Howard and Drew Allar won’t face any competition from another up-and-coming signal caller this summer.
While next year’s draft is still the target for the Steelers when it comes to finding a franchise quarterback, having to kick the can down the road in this instance means Howard and Allar now have additional time to prove themselves and aren’t at risk of losing their respective roles in 2026.
How Howard Benefits
Unless Pittsburgh was willing, or planning, to carry four quarterbacks had it landed Sorsby in the supplemental draft before it was nixed, Howard was all but certain to part ways with the organization.
Perhaps he would’ve latched back onto the practice squad if he were cut and subsequently cleared waivers, but the 24-year-old would’ve otherwise become a complete afterthought behind Sorsby and Allar.
The outlook on Howard ever becoming a long-term starter for the Steelers is grim at best. Because Sorsby won’t be on the roster this season, however, his battle with Mason Rudolph for the backup job behind Aaron Rodgers won’t be rendered obsolete.
It’s possible Howard could win it over Rudolph and show enough leading into the 2027 campaign that he could earn the starting role to open the year before Allar or a rookie takes over.
That feels like it’s looking too far ahead, though. In the present, the fact that Sorsby isn’t on the team means Howard’s odds of cracking the 53-man roster remain rather high.
Allar Is In a Good Spot
Assuming trading Allar was never on the table regardless of their potential plans if they had brought Sorsby in, the Penn State product was always going to be on the Steelers’ roster in 2026.
The third-round rookie would’ve had far more of a convoluted path to any sort of meaningful role with the team had Sorsby shared the quarterback room with him, though.
Their strengths are incredibly similar, though Sorsby has a significant leg-up over Allar in terms of his mobility, which could’ve ultimately been the difference down the line in any position battle between the two.
It’s still too early to champion Allar, and it’s likely that a first-round quarterback in the 2027 draft would usurp him if that’s the direction Pittsburgh ends up going in.
Nevertheless, with less pressure and more focus from the coaching staff on helping him develop than there would’ve been if Sorsby were in town, Allar doesn’t have to worry about competing with another signal caller when he isn’t really ready to do so.
Make sure to bookmark Steelers On SI, and find our podcast All Steelers Talk on YouTube or anywhere you listen!
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