Burnett appreciation is equally mutual

By Ron Cook

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/

June 11, 2012

    

 

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 10: A.J. Burnett #34 of the Pittsburgh Pirates reacts to the fans after pitching into the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals during interleague play on June 10, 2012 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Pirates defeated the Royals 3-2. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

 

We could start with the no-hitter that A.J. Burnett took into the sixth inning Sunday at PNC Park or the fact that he gave his team's tired bullpen a much-needed lift by pitching into the eighth or -- the bottom line -- the sizzling Pirates' 3-2 win against the Kansas City Royals, their 12th win in 15 games.

But why not get to the best part of the day right at the start?

After Pirates manager Clint Hurdle went to the mound and took the ball from Burnett in the eighth, the crowd of 25,752 stood as one and roared as Burnett started the long, slow walk toward the dugout. It was a chilling moment on a hot, late-spring afternoon. So was the one that followed. Burnett took off his cap and held it high to the crowd. "You appreciate me? I appreciate you!"

"I've had a couple like that in my career," Burnett said afterward. "My last start in Toronto and a couple in Yankee Stadium. You never forget them. You have to respond when you get those. It was unbelievable."

It also was symbolic of Burnett's relationship with Pittsburgh. Pirates fans, though punished over the years with one losing season after another, 19 in all, are knowledgeable and realize they have a real, live, breathing ace on their team. Burnett, after pitching in the mecca of baseball in New York for the Yankees, has found happiness, in of all places, a town that many players long have considered to be purgatory. Remember how pitcher Edwin Jackson turned down $30 million over three years in the winter to sign for one year and $11 million with the Washington Nationals? Remember how out-of-work All-Star Roy Oswalt wouldn't even take the Pirates' call to measure his interest in pitching for them?

Well, here comes Burnett, who says he loves the place.

How cool is that?


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Ron Cook: rcook@post-gazette.com. Ron Cook can be heard on the "Vinnie and Cook" show weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 93.7 The Fan.