Griffin's Debut: Pirates' New Star

0:00It's April 4, I'm Cory with the story. This is MLB News Today, driven by AI and built for baseball fans. Pittsburgh pirates kicked off their home opener with a bang, debuting 19-year-old superstar shortstop Connor Griffin in front of a packed PNC, Park. The team's top prospect win won for three, smacking his first major league double and driving in his first run, batting seventh in the order. Griffin's hit made history right away. He's the youngest pirate to get a base knock in a debut since Bill Maserowski did it back in 1956. At just 19 years and 306 days old, Griffin was 19 years and 344 days, edging close to that legend's mark. The timing was perfect since the pirates were honoring Maserowski that day, with number nine patches on the uniforms and the outfield grass mowed in. His digits. Fans love seeing this young talent shine amid the tribute to the guy who hit that famous walk-off homer in the 1960 World Series game, seven.

1:02Turns out the Maserowski family helped get Griffin here. Bill's son, Darren, a pirate scout, pushed hard to sign him ninth overall in the 20. 24 draft. Darren calls Griffin special, saying his vibe stays genuine every time you meet him. With this kind of start, Griffin's eyeing National League rookie of the year and the pirates hope he sparks a new era, just like Maserowski did for. Their championship run.