Former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton talks with umpire Mike Estabrook between innings in a game against the San Diego Padres at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Sat May 3, 2025. Shelton was fired by the Pirates on Thu May 8, 2025. (AP News photo)
MLB podcast Michael Duca Fri May 9, 2025
On the MLB podcast Michael Duca:
#1 Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton was fired Thursday after Shelton had a tough April and the Bucs couldn’t get on track falling to last place in the NL Central. Pirates general manager Ben Cherrington replaced Shelton with bench coach Don Kelly. Shelton becomes the first big league manager to get fired this season. The Pirates on a seven game losing streak and have a losing record of 12-26. Shelton had managed the Pirates since 2019.
#2 Los Angles Dodgers two way superstar Shohei Ohtani could have signed a 15 year deal with the Dodgers and retired at the age of 44. Ohtani didn’t want to take any risks by signing a lengthy deal and face declining skills according to Ohtani agent Naz Balelo. Ohtani has a 10 year $700 million deal the largest in pro sports.
#3 Michael, very sad news on the passing of former 1984 Detroit Tigers star Chet Lemon who died on Thursday at his home in Florida. Lemon a three time All Star outfielder and went to the 1984 World Series with the Tigers was 70 years old. Lemon’s wife Gigi said he was sleeping on the sofa and not responsive. Lemon suffered from a rare blood disease for the last 30 years and had a number of strokes that left him unable to walk or speak. Lemon was also a former Chicago White Sox.
#4 Michael, after watching to uncut video of 20 year old fan who fell from the top of the 21 foot wall at PNC Park in Pittsburgh and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition remain in pain and said that he broke everything. Kavan Markwood gave his first interview to TribLive news on Wednesday and said he still hasn’t seen the video yet.
#5 Michael kind of a fun question that viewers wanted to asked you, new Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago was he a Cubs or White Sox fan? Robert Provest the Pope’s former name was born in the Bronzeville neighborhood in the South Side of Chicago. He grew up in the South suburbs in a town called Dolton. He maintained his ties to the city. Question 2 What Chicago baseball team would Pope Leo XIV pray for to win and do you see him returning to Chicago to meet his fellow Chicagoians?
Michael Duca does the MLB podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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