Carrick alum Wehner living dream with Pirates
Carrick High School alum John Wehner’s life changed forever after running into an old friend at a Giant Eagle.
Former Pirates World Series hero Steve Blass had announced that he would no longer be broadcasting road games. Wehner completed his second season as hitting coach in the Pirates organization in 2004. Blass’ announcement created an opening that Wehner initially believed he missed out on.
“I read in the paper that they were doing auditions for the road games,” Wehner said. “Of course I was interested. I called someone in the communications department to ask if I could throw my hat in the ring. They told me that auditions were over. I thought I lost that chance.”
Thankfully for Wehner that grocery store visit led to a set of phone calls which helped him become a Pirates commentator. Wehner’s former teammate (Bob Walk) was already calling Pirates games and Wehner bumped into his son, Tommy.
“I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t run into Tommy that day,” Wehner said. “I told him that I wanted to audition for the job but was told the auditions were over. He called his dad, Bob, then Bob called his boss and then his boss called me for an audition.”
Wehner is now preparing for his 15th season as an analyst and his 28th as a member of the Pirates. Wehner’s broadcasting career started similarly to his playing. The utility man took a small opportunity and owned it.
The Pirates selected Wehner in the seventh round of the 1988 MLB draft out of Indiana University. Wehner played 11 big league seasons, nine with the Pirates and two with the Florida Marlins, including the 1997 World Series champion.
He got to Indiana after another set of fortunate circumstances. “We didn’t have travel ball the way the kids do now. I played American Legion and worked my way up to the state team my senior year. It was my first time playing in front of scouts. I got a call in late July right before the school year started. Indiana ended up with a last minute opening. I hadn’t spent much time outside of Western Pa. before that. Here I am at the last moment headed to Bloomington.”
Wehner’s hard work guided him to Three Rivers Stadium after his junior season. “We had a tryout at the stadium and I remember the scouting director asking me if I was going to sign if he drafted me. I said ‘yes’ and they picked me up.”
Wehner tallied a .249 batting average, hit four home runs and collected 54 RBIs in 461 games as a big leaguer. He hit the last home run in the history of the Pirates former home and also made the final out.
Wehner’s 15th season will be Blass’ last on the air. Like many Pittsburghers, Wehner has special memories of Blass. “I got to know him well when I was a player. I noticed how he made everyone feel special. Steve is so giving of his time. It sets a strong example we all try to follow.”
Wehner is optimistic about the Pirates’ chances in 2019. “I like our starting pitching and the back end of our bullpen,” he said. “If the guys can score some runs we have a chance to compete. Our pitching will keep us in a lot of games.”
Wehner’s life journey in baseball and broadcasting is a prime example of what happens when one takes advantage of an opportunity. “I’ve been so fortunate. I was a kid for Carrick with a dream. I’ve been blessed to live beyond my wildest ambitions. I always wanted to be Pirate.”