Hold My Cutter

Just when you thought the airwaves were only for play-by-plays, Joe Block, one of the esteemed voices of the Pittsburgh Pirates, pulls up a chair and brings with him an aroma of stories as rich as his preferred Andorran-wrapped cigar. As we share a 'Smoke of the Week,' Joe serves up a banquet of broadcasting tales, from the kinship he's found within the booth to the parallels he draws between his Detroit Lions and th...

When Pittsburgh's own Rob King drops by for a chat, you can bet the conversation will be as riveting as a game-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth. Sit back and absorb the wisdom of this sports broadcasting maestro, as he dissects the meticulous preparation that goes into each broadcast and the art of creating seamless on-air chemistry with co-hosts. As Rob peels back the curtain on the industry, he shares nuggets of w...

Imagine settling into the embracing warmth of Pittsburgh culture, its Northeastern charm interwoven with Midwestern heart. That's precisely where we found ourselves at Burn by Rocky Patel, joined by sports broadcasting icon Rob King, Greg Brown, and former MLB player Michael McKenry. As we lit up our Decade Cameroon cigars, we traversed the distinctive manners of this storied city, from the enigmatic 'Pittsburgh left&apos...

Ever found yourself reminiscing about the local legends that shaped your own journey? Join us for a heartwarming and insightful conversation with Pittsburgh's own Guy Junker, a broadcasting giant who's shared the airwaves with the city's most iconic figures. We're cracking open the treasure chest of memories, digging into the times Guy set pins in a bowling alley and sold hotdogs during the legendary Immaculate ...

Have you ever witnessed a phoenix rise from the ashes? Allegheny County Council Member Bethany Hallam's life story is the embodiment of that very transformation. From the grip of heroin addiction and the shadows of homelessness, she emerged to stand in the light of public service and advocacy. Our conversation peels back the layers of her journey, revealing the critical interplay of family support, personal choice, and the oft...

Settle into your seat as you're about to be whisked away through the intense, yet hopeful world of Allegheny County Council Member Bethany Hallam. In a cozy corner of Bern by Rocky Patel, we unwrap the complex layers of addiction and triumph. Bethany, a figure of resilience with deep Pittsburgh roots, shares her life's stark realities—from an injury that shuttered her lacrosse aspirations to her descent and subsequent upr...

We sat down with Jack Wilson, the former Pittsburgh Pirates all-star, and what unfolded was more than just a trip down memory lane; it was an examination of the heart and soul of America's pastime. Jack regaled us with tales of the electric partnership he shared with Pokey Reese, a duo that epitomized infield magic. As we cozied up to the tales of turning two, Jack also peeled back the layers on his defensive philosophy. It&ap...

Every crack of the bat tells a story, and few can weave those tales like Jack Wilson, the revered Pirates' shortstop who slides into our latest episode. We're camped out at LeCom Park, the site of countless memories for Jack, and now the stage for a fascinating trip down the basepaths of baseball history. From the familial bonds entrenched in Pennsylvania soil to the echoes of Fantasy Camp laughter, Jack's narrative ...

Embark on a sensory exploration and heartfelt nostalgia trip with Dan Zangrilli, the sartorially savvy guest who guides us through the rich flavors of the Rocky Patel 60 cigar and the riveting tales of his broadcasting ascent. From the earthy undertones of a San Andreas wrapper to the vibrant spice of red pepper, this episode is a fusion of taste and storytelling. Dan unveils his Pittsburgh beginnings, his love for the Pirates, and...

Ever wondered what it feels like to hurl a fastball through elbow pain, or the split-second decisions that define the outcome of a baseball game? Bob Walk, the Whirly Bird himself, joins us with a trove of stories from his days on the mound, including one harrowing start against the Dodgers just five days post-injury. Laugh and wince with us as Bob takes us behind the scenes of the humor and the grit that comes with playing profess...

Stepping up to the plate, Bob Walk, the former Pirates pitcher with a tale that's more twist-filled than a knuckleball,  joins us for a  great episode of Hold My Cutter. We're not just talking curves and sliders; this is about Bob's incredible leap from local Little League to World Series starter. Sit back and soak in the stories as we cover Bob’s unexpected rise, the passion that fueled his career, and the unpredict...

When Rick Cerrone, the revered editor-in-chief of Baseball Digest, joins us for another Episode, he brings more than just stats and stories; he brings the heartbeat of baseball history to our show. As we light our Rocky Patel cigars and settle into our chairs, Rick transports us from the Pittsburgh Pirates' PR office to the inner sanctum of the New York Yankees under George Steinbrenner. His tales of innovation, like initiatin...

When Rick Cerrone, the esteemed editor-in-chief of Baseball Digest, opens up about his journey, even the air in Burn by Rocky Patel seems to hang on every word. Graced with the scent of fine cigars and the spirit of America's pastime, Rick weaves tales of his New York Yankees days and the path that led him back to the heart of Pittsburgh. This episode is a love letter to the city, the sport, and the art of storytelling, as Ric...

The Rock is back for another great conversation. From the roar of the crowd at Three Rivers Stadium to the echoing crack of the bat, the memories still linger like the scent of fresh ballpark peanuts.
Imagine stepping into the box to face down Major League pitching, or rounding the bases to the cheers of thousands after a clutch home run. We capture these electrifying moments in John's career, discussing the psychological ...

When the odds seemed stacked against him, John Rock Wehner emerged from Carrick with little more than a Greyhound Bus pass and the support of his grandmother, stepping into the limelight of professional baseball with stories that resonate with the heart of Americana. His voyage is a testament to the power of perseverance, and we're thrilled to share his candid recollections with you. From the culture shock of an empty college ...

I still remember the buzz in the stands when David Bednar, now a two-time All-Star closer with the Pittsburgh Pirates, was once just a hopeful name awaiting the draft call. That same electrifying sense of anticipation fills our latest episode as Bednar himself recounts the very moment his Major League dreams began to come to life, all while keeping a stealthy eye on the draft behind his glove. It's not every day you get to sit...