While the general manager and manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates may have gotten recent contract extensions and votes of confidence, it’s a pierogi that the Pirates let go that is making news.
Twenty-four year old Andrew Kurtz was fired by the Pirates after making remarks on Facebook about the recent contract extensions of GM Neal Huntington and manager John Russell.
One of Kurtz’ responsibilities was to take part in the team’s pierogi races that take place during each Pirates home game.
Kurtz and other employees, dressed as pierogis, race around the field in between innings.
According to Yahoo Sports, the Facebook post read: “[Team president Frank] Coonelly extended the contracts of Russell and Huntington through the 2011 season. That means a 19-game losing streak. Way to go Pirates.”
While it’s never really a good idea to criticize your employer, especially if the word “pierogi” is anywhere near your job description, Kurtz probably isn’t the only person in Pittsburgh thinking that.
The Pirates are once again in the basement of the NL Central with a 23-44 record, worst in the NL. The Bucs are also in the midst of a 12-game losing streak after losing to the Indians Friday night.
All may not be lost for Kurtz either. According to the Associated Press, The Washington (Pa.) Wild Things, an independent league team, immediately offered Kurtz a job in their organization as — what else — a racing hot dog.
None of the pierogis in the video below could be reached for comment.
