Tim Benz stories, Page 26

Friday’s “First Call” features a National Football League player who claims he was almost a Steeler in free agency, some wide receiver scuttlebutt, and a preview of this weekend’s series at PNC Park between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Twins. Plus, Mitch Keller tries to keep his recent hot streak...

After being sent down on strikes 14 times in 11 innings against Paul Skenes and Jared Jones the past two nights, the Los Angeles Dodgers are talking about the similarities and differences between the Pittsburgh Pirates’ two rookie flamethrowing pitchers. “They both throw hard. But what really stands out is...

A June swoon? Not for “U mad, bro?” At least not to start the month. We are already coming in hot for the early summer. Who is catching the heat? A two-time Stanley Cup champion. Both Steelers QBs. Derek Shelton and Ben Cherington. And the entire Steelers wide receiver depth...

It may have been 80 years ago, but Alex Vasselo can distinctly recall the news broadcasts from June 6, 1944. As an 11-year-old in McKees Rocks, he listened to them all day. “I still remember how they explained the actual leaving from England, with all the ships and everything. And...

Former Pittsburgh Pirate Tyler Glasnow couldn’t get a win in his return to PNC Park. But that wasn’t his fault. Blame his offense, and blame the other guy who started against him. Glasnow and the Dodgers lost 1-0 to the Pirates despite the 30-year-old right-hander turning in a solid performance...

For Pittsburgh Pirates rookie sensation Paul Skenes, his two challenges are clear in advance of his fifth Major League start. • Replicate what he has been doing on the road in a home game. • Do it against one of the best lineups in baseball. The fire-balling right-hander was solid...

Wednesday’s “First Call” puts some numbers to what Cameron Heyward may be asking of the Pittsburgh Steelers in terms of compensation for the rest of his career. Also, a Dallas Cowboys star is putting out feelers about joining the Steelers if the circumstances are right … players besides Brandon Aiyuk...

Pittsburgh Steelers free agent defensive back Patrick Peterson says he has always wanted to play at least 14 years in the NFL. Now he has to wait to see which organization is going to give him a shot to do that. Based on what the eight-time Pro Bowler just told...

If Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones is looking to rediscover his early-season form, he’s got a spotlight chance to do so Tuesday. The Pirates are at home against the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers. They lead the National League West at 38-23. Only the Phillies (41-19) have a better record...

Tuesday’s “First Call” has a list of former Pittsburgh Steelers up for the College Football Hall of Fame. More big money is being handed out to NFL wide receivers. Bill Guerin has an interesting take on his former Penguins teammates who remain in Pittsburgh from the 2009 Stanley Cup club....

One thing was certainly different about the Pittsburgh Pirates series in Toronto. For a change, Rowdy Tellez was good. The much-maligned first baseman was 4 for 8 with a walk and four RBIs. Rowdy Tellez has driven in all three runs against his old squad today! pic.twitter.com/0CJLQxDCFD— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_)...

Monday’s “First Call” features some introspective analysis from Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft pick Troy Fautanu. We also get an update on Gerrit Cole’s rehab. James Conner makes his future intentions known. And we have a belated anniversary to celebrate on the Penguins front. Figuring it ‘aht Steelers’ first-round draft choice...

The Pittsburgh Steelers still have a need at wide receiver. Former Steeler JuJu Smith-Schuster might be looking for a job sometime soon. Could a reunion be possible in Pittsburgh? From a content standpoint, Mark Madden of TribLive and 105.9 The X is completely on board. “God, I hope so,” Madden...

I’ve always been a fan of Bryan Rust. There are few Pittsburgh Penguins players that I’ve enjoyed covering more than him. A clutch performer. A two-time Stanley Cup champion. A stand-up guy who owns every good game and bad game. But I think he went off the grid on this...

Friday’s “First Call” shows us yet another Pittsburgh Steeler heading to New York. An ex-Steeler describes why he was surprised at his release from Pittsburgh. Isaiah Buggs got sassy with the media covering his animal cruelty case. And the Pirates have a Spider-Man meme opponent in Canada this weekend. Big...

As it currently stands, this is the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle situation. • Last year’s first-round pick, Broderick Jones, was drafted with the goal of being a left tackle. For the second year in a row, it looks like he is preparing to play more often at right tackle. •...

The Pittsburgh Steelers are knee deep in an OTA week: organized team activities. “U mad, bro?” is also knee deep in an OTA week: outwardly tangible anger. Booing Rowdy Tellez. Bemoaning the Penguins’ place in the NHL hierarchy. Rationalizing the Steelers’ lack of wide receiver depth. It’s OTAs, people! Let’s...

Thursday’s “First Call” features Russell Wilson’s reaction to the idea of the Pittsburgh Steelers using Justin Fields in a Kordell “Slash” Stewart, or Taysom Hill type of role. We also discuss James Daniels’ future in Pittsburgh, disturbing news about a former Steelers defensive lineman and Bronny James’ decision to stay...

Not all of the NFL’s players are wild about the reported changes that the Players Association are mulling over when it comes to the offseason calendar. In fact, many of the Steelers interviewed Wednesday were lukewarm about them at best. According to a report from NFL.com Tuesday, “The NFLPA is...

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is keeping an open mind when it comes to the notion of being used in a Taysom Hill/Kordell Stewart-type of role. Speaking with TribLive on Tuesday, Fields didn’t rule out the concept of getting on the field in a pass-catching or rushing capacity as Hill has been...

Wednesday’s “First Call” has an injury prognosis for Kirk Cousins in advance of the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. We also give contract details on a trio of big-play AFC receivers and a health update on a Baltimore Ravens star. What can Kirk do? The Steelers play the Atlanta...

On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Pirates honored the 1979 team. Those “We Are Family” Bucs were the last edition of the franchise to win a World Series. I suppose, technically, it’s more accurate to say the “most recent” edition of the franchise to win a World Series, as opposed to “last”...

A former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker is trying to come back from a serious 2023 injury. Meanwhile, a former Steelers wide receiver is starring in the UFL. Deshaun Watson is touting the Steelers-Browns rivalry. Pitching will certainly be on display in the Pirates-Tigers series. Plus, in the NBA, T.J. McConnell and...

Earlier this month, USA Hockey named Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan as the head coach of America’s 4 Nations Face-Off club in 2025 and the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team. Some Pittsburgh hockey fans who have grown frustrated with the Penguins’ underachievement under Sullivan as head coach in...

Even at the age of 91, Alex Vasselo remembers the movie he went to see that night while he was serving in the Korean War. “From Here to Eternity.” He also remembers the circumstances that allowed him to be there in the first place. “You had to stand in formation...