Pittsburgh certainly has a rich baseball history, but it seems not all is smooth sailing with the Pirates and their ownership. Tensions have reached a fever pitch with four billboards popping up across the city, all carrying a bold demand: “Abandon ship, Bob!

Sell the team!” This message aimed squarely at Pirates owner Bob Nutting has appeared in prominent locations, including Ross Street and Boulevard of the Allies in Downtown and Saw Mill Run Boulevard, making it nearly impossible to ignore.

The organizers of this campaign, including Gabe Mazefsky from Forest Hills, are not holding back. They’ve created a website along with a GoFundMe page, which has already amassed over $19,000, with the goal of keeping these billboards up until there’s a change in ownership.

This isn’t just a fleeting act of frustration; it’s a well-organized protest with plans to make their voices heard at public venues like the upcoming Pirates Fest on January 18. Mazefsky and his group are eager for a direct dialogue with Nutting, hoping he’ll attend to address their concerns head-on.

Recently, Mazefsky took this mission to the Sports and Exhibition Authority, highlighting the Pirates’ performance over 23 years of their 30-year lease at PNC Park. The group’s frustration echoes a broader dissatisfaction with the economic returns, especially when compared to the Steelers’ achievements at Acrisure Stadium, which had its foundations laid at the same time as PNC Park.

In response, Pirates President Travis Williams acknowledged the fans’ disappointment, aligning with the shared desire for a winning team. But fans like Mazefsky argue that the team’s track record—over two decades—speaks for itself, showing a stark contrast in return on investment for Pittsburgh’s baseball fans.

The group’s strategy doesn’t stop at public forums. They’ve reached out to local officials and have their sights set on involving heavyweights like MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and Tony Clark from the MLB Players Association. The stakes are high, especially with past grievances from the MLBPA against the Pirates, which accused the team of not adhering to league financial rules.

With local elections looming, the timing of this campaign is strategic. Mazefsky points out the significance of the lease situation and the fact that the appointees for the Sports and Exhibition Authority are in the hands of local government leaders.

For them, this is more than just a battle over ownership; it’s about securing a prosperous future for PNC Park and the Pirates’ fanbase. The call for new stewardship at the helm is clear, echoing throughout Pittsburgh and beyond.