Pittsburgh Sports Memories

The Surprising History of Pirates vs Giants

The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants is far richer - and stranger - than most fans realize. It is a century‑long tangle of postseason showdowns, bizarre trades, old‑timey feuds, and a fight that required police intervention! Along the way many baseball greats donned both uniforms, including four National League MVP's. We dive into all of that and more as we explore the surprising history between these two fabled baseball clubs.

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June 22nd, 2026 4:00am

REWIND: Pittsburgh's Best Wingmen

Everyone needs a good wingman, like Batman and Robin or Simon and Garfunkel. A good wingman is key to winning. They may not be the superstar or the focal point of the team, but without them the team wouldn't have been successful. So on this episode we look at some of these forgotten supporting cast guys - really good players who aren’t often remembered as Pittsburgh sports legends.

REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes

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June 15th, 2026 4:00am

I'm Going to Disney World!

All the major North American leagues have an MVP award. The question always arises: what makes a player the most valuable in each sport? Is it individual performance, or is it how they contributed to the team? This truly subjective award has led to some interesting and controversial outcomes. In this podcast, we look at all the MVP awards that have been won over the course of Pittsburgh sports.

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June 8th, 2026 4:00am

BONUS EPISODE: Pgh Sports Current Events - June 2026

We take a break from sports history to talk about what is currently going on in the Pittsburgh sports scene. Did the Penguins make the right move in bringing back Evgeni Malkin? Which of the 4 Steelers QB's will be the odd man out after training camp? Can the Pirates stay in contention in a tough NL Central? We cover all of that and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.

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June 4th, 2026 4:00am

REWIND: The Three Lost Rings

In this episode we will take a look back at the greatest seasons of each of Pittsburgh's pro sports franchises where the team fell short of a championship – the 1976 Steelers, the 1993 Penguins, and the 1927 Pirates.

REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes

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May 31st, 2026 11:00pm

The Pitt Payoff

After nearly 50 years of heartbreak and gut-wrenching moments, the 2021 Pitt football team put together a run for the ages. In this episode, we look back on what made that season so special and why it will never be forgotten by those of us fans who waited so many years for something to finally go right.

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May 25th, 2026 4:00am

REWIND: Pittsburgh Sports Conspiracy Theories

In this episode we will review some of the conspiracy theories surrounding Pittsburgh sports. Were the Steelers robbed of a Super Bowl? Did the NHL rig things for the Penguins? Did Pitt lose its best player due to illegal interference? Some of these theories may be true, some are definitely false, but all will be fun to discuss. So put on your tin foil hat and join us as we discuss some of the biggest Pittsburgh sports conspiracy theories.

REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes

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May 18th, 2026 4:00am

The Bus

Never has a player fit so perfectly with the identity of his team and the city he represented as Jerome Bettis. His smash-mouth style and gregarious personality made him one of the city’s favorites. He was also beloved by his teammates—so much so that it became a rallying cry during their Super Bowl run. The Bus’s final stop was Super Bowl XL, which ended in storybook fashion, with him winning the Lombardi Trophy and riding off into the sunset.

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May 11th, 2026 4:00am

REWIND: The Freak Show Pirates

In 1997, the Pirates jettisoned all of their remaining players from the division winning teams of the early 1990’s to start a complete rebuild. They were left with a collection of nobodies with a payroll which topped out at a mere $9 million! Yet improbably, this team took the National League by storm and delivered a near miraculous result for its fans.

REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes

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May 4th, 2026 4:00am

BONUS EPISODE: Pgh Sports Current Events - May 2026

We take a break from sports history to talk about what is currently going on in the Pittsburgh sports scene. Do the Pirates have room for improvement? Is Drew Allar the long-term answer for the Steelers? What's next for the Pens after being eliminated from the playoffs? We cover all of that and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.

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April 30th, 2026 4:00am

Announcers We Love to Hate!

Announcers are part of every game, but not all of them make the experience better. With help from our listeners, we assembled a list of the broadcasters Pittsburgh sports fans love to hate. Did your least favorite make the list? Tune in to find out!

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April 27th, 2026 4:00am

REWIND: Hines Ward: The Man Nobody Believed In

On this episode we will look back on the career of Hines Ward. He was a third round draft pick who the Steelers tried to replace multiple times and who was sometimes described as a dirty player, but he developed into one of the best wide receivers of his era. Known for his toughness, zealous blocking, and clutch plays that brought championships back to the city, Ward is one of the most beloved Steelers ever.

REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes

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April 20th, 2026 4:00am

Sid Bream's Remarkable Journey

Few athletes in Pittsburgh sports history inspire the mix of admiration and heartbreak that Sid Bream does - loved by Pirates fans, yet forever tied to one of the city’s most painful moments. In this episode, we interview Bream about his time with the Pirates, how he responded to being unceremoniously forced out of Pittsburgh, and how that iconic moment in 1992 changed both his life and our lives forever. It’s a remarkable story of resilience, perspective, and above all, faith.

Sid Bream's Website: SidBream.com
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April 13th, 2026 4:00am

REWIND: Better Lucky Than Good!

Hall of Fame pitcher Lefty Gomez famously said that he would rather be lucky than good. Pittsburgh sports history is packed with great teams and talented players, but our teams were also the beneficiary of some good fortune along the way. In this episode, we’ll remember the luckiest breaks ever in Pittsburgh sports.

REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes

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April 6th, 2026 4:00am

BONUS EPISODE: Pgh Sports Current Events - April 2026

We take a break from sports history to talk about what is currently going on in the Pittsburgh sports scene. Did the Steelers win free agency? What is the ceiling for the Penguins and Pirates this season? Is it time for the NFL to retire the Rooney Rule? We cover all of that and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.

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April 2nd, 2026 4:00am

Are You Ready For Some Football?

During the 1980s, 1990s, and even into the 2000s, America asked itself one question every Monday night in the fall: Are you ready for some football? For years, the answer was a resounding "yes", reflected in the NFL consistently ranking as the highest-rated program of the week whenever it aired. In this episode, we examine the rise and fall of the Steelers' remarkable streak of home Monday night victories, and how that run coincided with both the peak and the gradual decline of the Monday Night Football broadcast itself.

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March 30th, 2026 4:00am

REWIND: Things to Do in Denver When You've Been Shot: The Joey Porter Story

In this episode, we dive into the story of one of the most unique players ever to wear a Steelers uniform - Joey Porter. Known for his fiery personality and fearless play, Porter was as entertaining off the field as he was dominant on it. His charisma and intensity made him a master at getting into the heads of opponents, often changing the tone of entire games. Beyond the trash talk and swagger, his impact was undeniable, and it helped push the Steelers to championship glory.

REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes

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March 23rd, 2026 4:00am

When Everyone Was Winning

It’s been a decade since Pittsburgh last saw all three of its pro teams truly in the championship hunt at the same time. In this episode, we look back at the 2015–16 sports season when the Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins each made a championship run behind standout players, big moments, and unforgettable games.

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March 16th, 2026 4:00am

REWIND: Forgotten Sports Years: 2007

In this episode we will take a look back at 2007 – a year that didn’t see any Pittsburgh sports championships but did see an arena drama for the Penguins, a new coach for the Steelers, a massive controversy for the Pirates, and an epic upset for Pitt football. Also throw in a creepy new mascot, an MVP award, and the muddiest football game of the century, and you’ve got a memorable year in Pittsburgh sports.

REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes

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March 9th, 2026 4:00am

BONUS EPISODE: Pgh Sports Current Events - March 2026

We take a break from sports history to talk about what is currently going on in the Pittsburgh sports scene. What do the dismal NFLPA rankings say about Steelers ownership? What would Sidney Crosby's presence have changed about the gold medal game? What would it take for Pitt to fire Jeff Capel? We cover all of that and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.

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March 5th, 2026 4:00am

Athletes Who Killed Pittsburgh

Being a fan can be a truly exhilarating experience. The highs of a championship win can lift not only a fan base, but an entire city, into a great mood. Conversely, the lows can be just as emotionally traumatic. In this episode, we explore some of the players who helped cause that pain. Throughout Pittsburgh sports history, there have been certain players responsible for more than their share of losses — whether through total domination or by saving their best performances for the biggest moments. These are the players we always remember for dealing our hometown teams their most painful defeats.

REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes

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March 2nd, 2026 4:00am

REWIND: Hero, Bum, or Meh

What is the difference between a sports figure being revered or reviled? In this episode we will look at the mixed legacies of a handful of coaches, athletes and owners of the major sports in Pittsburgh. In doing so, we will try to determine their true lasting impact on us fans.

REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes

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February 23rd, 2026 4:00am

The Biggest Rivalry of the 1970's

The Steelers and Raiders were two of the defining teams of the decade, opposites in almost every way. Pittsburgh was a homegrown powerhouse built through the draft, while Oakland thrived by embracing outcasts and unconventional talent. The Steelers were new to winning; the Raiders had already captured an AFL championship. Both embodied the brutal style of the era - gritty defenses, punishing hits, and a brand of football so violent it forced rule changes. The rivalry, and the intensity that fueled it, may never be matched again in the history of the NFL.

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February 16th, 2026 4:00am

REWIND: The Most Thankless Job in Pittsburgh

In our latest episode, we will delve into the history of the most hated role in Pittsburgh sports: Steelers offensive coordinator. Only a handful of men have ever had the distinction of holding this job. Some found success while others struggled, but they all had one thing in common: at least some portion of the fan base wanted them fired! Join us for an entertaining look back at the OC’s you loved to hate.

REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes

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February 9th, 2026 4:00am

BONUS EPISODE: Pgh Sports Current Events - February 2026

We take a break from sports history to talk about what is currently going on in the Pittsburgh sports scene. Is Mike McCarthy the right hire for the Pittsburgh Steelers? Should the Penguins pivot and load up for a playoff run? How does Bill Belichick's Hall of Fame snub impact Ben Roethlisberger's chances to get in next year? We cover all of that and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.

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February 5th, 2026 4:00am

Echoes of September 15th

September 15, 2019 marked a turning point in Steelers history. What happened that afternoon didn't just shape the rest of that season, it set off ripples that continue to influence the franchise to this day. The Steelers are now facing a decade-long playoff win drought, lack a franchise quarterback, and are beginning a reset under a new head coach — and it can all be traced back to one moment.

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February 2nd, 2026 4:00am

REWIND: A Tale of Two Seasons

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the age of being favored to win the Big East championship, it was the age probably finishing fifth in the ACC Coastal. In this episode, we compare two different seasons of Pitt football: the 2010 and the 2018 seasons. We will look at the expectations and subsequent outcomes of these seasons. The consequences of these pivotal seasons changed the course and trajectory of the program in two opposite directions.

REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes

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January 26th, 2026 4:00am

Steelers-Giants: Surprising Connections

No two NFL franchises share a connection as unique as the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. Linked by family ownership, shared players, and championship success, their stories have frequently run side by side and occasionally crossed paths. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the unique history that binds these two franchises.

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January 19th, 2026 4:00am

BONUS EPISODE: Pgh Sports Current Events - January 15, 2026

We take a break from sports history to talk about what is currently going on in the Pittsburgh sports scene. After a better-than-expected season, how did the Steelers end up at square one again? Will Aaron Rodgers come back next year? Who will replace Mike Tomlin? We cover all of that and more in this special bonus episode of the podcast.

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January 15th, 2026 4:00am

REWIND: Rants and Meltdowns

We’ve all had our moments when we are upset and say or do things that we regret later. Sports figures are no different, and throughout the history of Pittsburgh sports, many players and coaches have lost their cool - sometimes via breakdowns of epic proportions. In this episode, we will revisit some of the more memorable instances of this phenomenon.

REWIND is a series of our favorite Pittsburgh Sports Memories episodes that we will be dropping in between new episodes

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