Behind every great man, is an even better woman. And behind every successful Major League Baseball team, there is a great manager. The Pittsburgh Pirates have recognized this, and have rewarded their skipper, Clint Hurdle, handsomely with a three-year contract extension.
Last season for the Pittsburgh Pirates was a good one. Well, that’s an exaggeration. It was a massively, ginormous, awesome, strong season for the Bucs. Not only did Andrew McCutchen ultimately win the MVP for the National League, and have a kick ass proposal to his gorgeous girlfriend on The Ellen Show (Which is all we really care about), there are many other reasons that separated this team from others.
The Pirates in 2013 had their first winning season since 1992, and clinched a playoff berth as well. Do you remember 1992? I was in love with a man named Aladdin.
They concluded the season with an 88-74 record, and a hell of a lot of respect from the MLB community. 
“With one of the top farm systems in baseball, the Pirates will expect to keep the good times rolling. They’ve started the season 3-1, have a solid pitching staff and a perennial MVP candidate in McCutchen. Things are looking up in Pittsburgh. Plus, it would appear the magic they found last year has carried over.”
Pirates couldn’t get passed the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Division Series last season, they face them again tonight.
Photo: Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports