Being an eavesdropping waiter at Chartiers Country Club could be one of the most fascinating jobs in the city, especially if you pick the right day.
Roughly every three weeks, past and present Pittsburgh Pirates managers Jim Leyland and Derek Shelton meet in the dining room, have hot coffee, and discuss baseball over breakfast.
Leyland described their conversations as friendly discussions between two men who both enjoy and love the game.
Leyland mentioned that they talk about baseball and the team's performance. Occasionally, he may inquire about a situation, but generally, their discussions focus on handling players and related matters.
Leyland and Shelton met at PNC Park, where Leyland, who will soon be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the home opener.
Despite being 79, Leyland insisted on throwing from the pitcher's rubber.
He expressed that he would feel embarrassed to move up, and mentioned his upcoming rotator cuff surgery. He managed to throw a strike to Shelton, who was standing a bit ahead of home plate due to umpires gathering in the catcher's box.
The two former minor-league catchers shared a catch and then a hug after the successful throw.
Their friendship began in 2020 when Leyland, the Pirates manager from 1986-1996, wanted to welcome Shelton, who had just been hired.
Leyland shared that he wanted to convey how much Shelton would enjoy being in the city, the significance of the city to the Pirates, and vice versa. He assured Shelton that it would be a good opportunity for him, and Shelton has quickly embraced Pittsburgh.
Leyland mentioned the challenges of being a manager and how one's patience and character can be tested in difficult times, but emphasized that it's okay as long as everyone is on the same page.
According to Leyland, as long as everyone's hearts are beating the same and they are in agreement, things will always work out.
He also noted that Shelton does many of the things he tried to do, like creating a positive clubhouse environment and maintaining the right atmosphere for work.
Shelton, 53, considers Leyland a mentor and values their special friendship, highlighting Leyland's willingness to provide input and share his perspective.
He appreciates Leyland's approach to the game, which is why he views him as a Hall of Famer.
Leyland, who has homes in Pittsburgh and Florida, still serves as a special assistant for the Detroit Tigers, one of the three MLB teams he has managed.
Leyland mentioned that although the game has evolved over time, he is open to embracing the changes. He clarified that he may be old, but he is not old-fashioned. He believes that the essence of baseball remains the same – catching, throwing, hitting, and striving to win every day.
He highlighted that when he first managed the Pirates in 1986, their payroll was only $10 million.
He mentioned that in today's game, a utility player's value is significantly higher compared to the past.
Leyland revealed that he has been working on his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, expressing satisfaction with the beginning and end. He plans to express gratitude to several individuals but assures that he won't speak for too long.
He emphasized that getting into the Hall of Fame is not a solitary achievement, expressing gratitude to the many people who have supported him over the years.
He shared that some Hall of Famers have advised him that delivering the acceptance speech will be a challenging task.
He will be inducted into this year's class alongside Joe Mauer, Adrian Beltre, and Todd Helton.
Leyland humbly remarked that he will be in the shadow of the other inductees, knowing that the audience will likely be more interested in them than in him.
Jim Leyland, on the current Pirates: “This is a very talented team.” pic.twitter.com/957Mcq50iE
— Jerry DiPaola (@JDiPaola_Trib) April 5, 2024
Leyland expressed his support for the Pirates on days when they are not competing against the Tigers, believing that the team is on the path to success. He noted that it took him five seasons to transform a losing team into a division champion in 1990, which is the same amount of time Shelton has been with the Pirates.
He acknowledged that the current talent of the team reminds him of a past successful team, acknowledging that the team's future is not his concern.
