Bednar on Wilson: ‘Steelers nation, let’s ride’
BRADENTON, Fla. — Preparing for another day of spring training, where every day feels like a Tuesday, Monday stood out to Pirates closer David Bednar. Like the rest of Pittsburgh, he grabbed his phone in the morning to see that Russell Wilson was signing with his beloved Steelers.
“I was definitely surprised,” Bednar said. “I know there was a lot of talk about it, but I was definitely surprised. I’m excited about it.”
Bednar was all smiles while discussing the Steelers’ new quarterback situation with the Post-Gazette at LECOM Park. Signing the nine-timer Pro Bowler to a bargain contract will give
the Steelers new life this season, and it certainly got the two-time All-Star’s attention.
“I like it,” Bednar said. “Steelers Nation, let’s ride. I’m excited. You bring in a guy of that caliber, it’s like, ‘Whoa!’ All the weapons around him, I’m pumped up.”
Either way, Bednar can’t wait to watch it all play out.
“It’s going to be interesting,” Bednar said. “At the very least, it’s going to be cool to have that guy in the room. What he’s accomplished in his career is really impressive.”
The most appropriate application to baseball involving Wilson might not be Bednar’s excitement, though. Wilson was a two-sport star in college and played pro ball for a bit.
A second baseman, Wilson played for the Tri-City Dust Devils in 2010 and the Asheville Tourists in 2011 before the Seahawks drafted him in the third round in 2012.
All told, Wilson played 93 games in Colorado’s system, hitting .229 with a .710 OPS. Wilson stole 19 bases but was also caught eight times. He drew 51 walks in 379 plate appearances and amassed 118 strikeouts.
Wilson attended spring training during his actual baseball-playing days, then spent time there with the Yankees in 2019. His playing rights also made a stop in Texas between the Rockies and Yankees.
“We’ll have to get him for a first pitch,” Bednar said. “It’ll be a laser, I’d have to imagine.”
If Wilson establishes himself in Pittsburgh, perhaps he could attend Pirates spring training one day and take a few at-bats. Just don’t expect Bednar to pitch to him. The Mars product would probably rather not.
“I’d be nervous,” Bednar said. “Can’t run one up and in on the QB1.”