Butler County residents enjoy Pittsburgh Pirates home games

July 29, 2023 Last Updated: July 28, 2023 09:43 PM Community

From left, Butler residents Deb Gibson, Jim Fitzpatrick, Howdy Reges, Sue Reges, Reghan Rodgers, and Scotty Fitzpatrick, holding up a Butler Golden Tornado T-shirt, sit in their seats at the Pirates game on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

The 2023 season has been one of feast and famine for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Following a 20-8 start, which included sweeps of Boston, Colorado and Cincinnati and was the second-best record in the major leagues, the Pirates have felt the growing pains that often accompany a mostly inexperienced roster.

The team welcomed back fan favorite Andrew McCutchen, who won the National League MVP award while in Pittsburgh in 2013, via free agency in January. At 36, he is turning in a solid season with 10 home runs, 10 stolen bases and a .265 batting average, entering this weekend’s series against Philadelphia.

Young slugger Jack Suwinski leads the team in home runs with 21.

Pitcher and Mars Area High School graduate David Bednar, the Pirates closer, was named a National League All Star along with starting pitcher Mitch Keller. Keller paces the team with nine wins while Bednar recently recorded his 20th save, a career high.

Pittsburgh Pirates fans wave American flags during a game against the Texas Rangers at PNC Park. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Former first-round draft picks, outfielder/catcher Henry Davis and starting pitcher Quinn Priester, recently made their MLB debuts and appear to be solid building blocks for the future.

Butler County residents once again have been among the Pirates faithful to take in home games this year. PNC Park, considered by many to be the best ballpark in all of baseball, is averaging over 20,000 fans per game this season.

Pirates catcher Austin Hedges makes contact with the ball during a home game against the Texas Rangers at PNC Park. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

A look into downtown Pittsburgh at sunset during a Pirates, Rangers game from the upper deck of PNC Park. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

The Knoch Middle School choir performs the national anthem at the Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park on Monday, May 22, 2023. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Henry Davis gets his first MLB hit with a double against the Chicago Cubs on June 19, 2023. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Josh Palacios loses his bat while hitting against the Oakland A's at PNC Park. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen (22) slides into second base as the Chicago Cubs’ Nico Hoerner (2) prepares to apply a tag during a home game PNC Park on June 19, 2023. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen meets with Roberto Clemente Jr. and his 5-year old son Roberto Clemente III, who is a huge McCutchen fan on June 6, 2023. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle