The Pittsburgh Steelers are located in one of the best sports cities in the entire world. Despite being a smaller force in terms of media market, the city is currently ranked 10th all-time with 16 total professional championships without having a team in the National Basketball Association. A big contributor to the Steel City's titles in the 21st century was former quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. He helped to bring two Lombardi Trophies back to Pittsburgh and recently began a podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, at the start of his retirement. He had beloved hometown favorite and former Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman, Neil Walker on most recently.
Steelers former quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger (middle) sits on the set of his podcast with co-host, Spencer Te'o and special guest, Neil Walker. | YouTube / Channel Seven
Roethlisberger grew up in Ohio, but has spent pretty much half of his life in the city of Pittsburgh. After being such an impactful member of the community for so long, he became connected to the city and its sport history. Walker coming on the podcast generated a ton of conversation about football, baseball and life all together. There was a specific moment in regards to Walker's former profession that the retired quarterback seemed very passionate about: the Pirates and owner, Bob Nutting's clear non-devotion to winning.
After enduring a painful 19 seasons without making the playoffs from 1993-2012, Walker and his teammates were able to provide meaningful October baseball from 2013-'15 as the franchise made it to the playoffs three straight years. Unfortunately, the team was never able to make it past the Divisional Round. The passionate city of Pittsburgh felt that the reputation of their beloved Buccos was on the rise, but, sadly, the organization has not made the playoffs since and Roethlisberger feels for all the fans calling for Nutting to open up his checkbook.
"As a fan, I think it's frustrating. As a fan, I think I'm frustrated and others are because I've heard about it and read about it and saw it. Spend some money."
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 29: Ben Roethlisberger throws the first pitch prior to the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 29, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Roethlisberger did not shy away from tearing into the way Nutting has done things since buying the franchise back in 2007. A city that is 10th all-time in championships, hasn't had one from its baseball team since 1979. The two-time Super Bowl champion echoed many yinzers’ beliefs that it's a recurring cycle for the Pirates.
"I get owners love making money, but in order to win, you gotta spend some money. I think that's the frustrating part as fans. You feel like every time we have a good player, they get traded away. And it's like 'oh no, we got a farm club and we got a guy down here, we gotta guy here.'"
If anyone gets how fans in the city of the Pittsburgh are, it's Roethlisberger. He can absolutely relate to their feelings and seems to understands exactly why the Pirates have gotten a negative response from the faithful.
"As the casual fan, I see why they're frustrated. You've got a beautiful park. You've got fans that want it. Just spend some money or keep guys."
27 April 2013: Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker (18) makes a play against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis Missouri. Cardinals won 7-0. (Photo by Scott Kane/Icon SMI/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The retired signal-caller asked Walker to recuse himself from the harsh commentary because the former second baseman, a native of Pittsburgh, currently broadcasts on both radio and television for the team. He did say, however, that General Manager Ben Cherington is going to do what he can to turn the team into a winner, but acknowledged that he is working under some limitations, likely from Nutting.
"Ben's gonna do what he feels is necessary under the restraints that he is working with. You hope he gets that combination right," Walker said.
Roethlisberger continued to voice his opinion and speak for thousands of Pirates fans everywhere. The Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins have set an incredible standard and the city is dying for the Pirates to follow suit.
"It's frustrating as fans to want it so bad and I'm sure there are fans that have been here a lot longer than us like truly bleed it and want it, but it's just frustrating. If you are so close and say we keep getting a little better, don't then break it up. I think let's add pieces to it."
We normally focus on Steeler football here at Steeler Nation, but the city of Pittsburgh has a passionate fan base that is dying for the Buccos to become a consistent part of what seems to be constant celebration and exciting success.
What are your thoughts on Roethlisberger's comments about the Pirates organization? Let us know in the comments below!
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