Announcer Joe Buck laments never getting to call World Series at PNC Park in Pittsburgh

Mike Palm
Monday, Sept. 18, 2023 12:16 p.m. | Monday, Sept. 18, 2023 12:16 p.m.

Sportscaster Joe Buck before an NFL game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans on Jan. 7, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla.

PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, in May 2020.

Announcer Joe Buck has been the voice of the NFL and Major League Baseball for years, calling countless meaningful playoff games.

And he’ll be working at tonight’s Pittsburgh Steelers game against the Cleveland Browns for “Monday Night Football” on ESPN.

But a Monday morning walk in the city — with PNC Park in his sights — seemingly stirred feelings of a missed opportunity.

“Walking on a beautiful morning in Pittsburgh and I am reminded how badly I wanted to call a World Series in this beautiful ballpark,” he posted on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter.

Walking on a beautiful morning in Pittsburgh and I am reminded how badly I wanted to call a World Series in this beautiful ballpark. pic.twitter.com/8QIuj1SO4E

— Joe Buck (@Buck) September 18, 2023

The Pittsburgh Pirates haven’t been to the World Series since 1979, and they’ve only made the postseason three times in the past 30 years, so there haven’t been any chances to call a game in what’s ranked one of the nation’s top ballparks.

Buck, the son of Hall of Fame announcer Jack Buck, also shared other Pittsburgh memories on social media Monday.

“I’m old school. Stayed at the Westin/Doubletree back in the day and crushed the Dilly Dally Deli across the street in the am. I am a simple man,” he wrote. “Familia? The meatballs there are insane. Poli’s back in the day too. Memories. With my dad and Jerry Creedon. One of his best friends. Played golf at Chartiers? I think I’m getting this right.”

(We’re assuming he meant Alla Famiglia in Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood.)

I’m old school. Stayed at the Westin/Doubletree back in the day and crushed the Dilly Dally Deli across the street in the am. I am a simple man. Familia? The meatballs there are insane. Poli’s back in the day too. Memories. With my dad and Jerry Creedon. One of his best friends.… https://t.co/tkwrZjwkdz

— Joe Buck (@Buck) September 18, 2023

Just last week, Buck and Troy Aikman surpassed the Pat Summerall/John Madden pairing for the most seasons for a football broadcasting duo on national TV.

Mike Palm is a TribLive digital producer who also writes music reviews and features. A Westmoreland County native, he joined the Trib in 2001, where he spent years on the sports copy desk, including serving as night sports editor. He has been with the multimedia staff since 2013. He can be reached at mpalm@triblive.com.