New Pirates president Travis Williams eager 'to crack the code'

When he was asked why he agreed to join Bob Nutting’s Pittsburgh Pirates management team as its president, Travis Williams gave an answer that precisely describes the situation that confronts him.

“I like challenges,” the former Pittsburgh Penguins chief operating officer said.

Williams also wants to make something else clear.

“Notice, I didn’t say that from a defeatist perspective or as an excuse,” he said. “The economics of baseball are challenging, much, much different than the economics of hockey. That’s not a secret.

“The opportunity to come in and crack the code, so to speak, figuring out ways that other small-market teams have been able to, within the economic structure of baseball, be successful on a sustained basis and apply that to what we’re doing here.”

Williams, who grew up in Indianapolis, is a Penn State graduate who holds a law degree from Duquesne. He considers himself a Pittsburgher.

“The challenge for me is what attracted me to the opportunity,” he said. “The opportunity to come home, back to my city and my team, was also a big factor in that as well.

“I was not born and raised here, but I spent a significant portion of my life in Pittsburgh. It’s my city. It’s why I wanted to come back with my family, coming back to where I started my career.”

Williams’ first job will be to hire a general manager to replace Neal Huntington, who was fired by Nutting. He and Nutting declined to discuss specific plans after that, including whether the team will be more aggressive in free agency.

But Williams’ time with the Penguins could serve him well. He was part of the management team that hired general manager Jim Rutherford.

“David (Morehouse, Penguins president and chief executive officer) and I were side-by-side as we were replacing Ray (Shero) with Jim Rutherford,” he said. “David and I were not hockey guys. I think what’s important is that somebody is driving the process that isn’t too tied to the baseball side and too emotional around it.”

While Williams was with Reed Smith (a Pittsburgh law firm) for 12 years, he spent a decade as outside counsel to the Pirates. He said he has known Nutting for many years.

“I really cut my teeth on the professional sports industry around here, working on deals like PNC Park, the development with the Steelers, the naming rights deal and others,” he said.

Williams said he would not have accepted the job if he had any questions about Nutting’s commitment.

“When Bob called me and asked me if I wanted to come back for this opportunity, I jumped at the chance,” he said. “Not only to return to the city and the team that I love but really to turn this franchise into a winning tradition. I wouldn’t have done that if I didn’t believe Bob and his family were committed to winning.

“Obviously, there is the perception of Bob. Honestly, I don’t pay attention to perceptions. I pay attention to what the commitment and the passion is. I know it really eats at Bob and really frustrated him how the season turned out.

“It’s not going to be easy. We’re not going to flip the switch and all of a sudden have a winner on the field.”

During a 35-minute question-and-answer session, Williams talked extensively about reconnecting with the Pirates’ fan base.

“Our relationship with the fans is going to be critical,” he said. “They have to know we care. That’s part of what we have to change. It’s a misunderstood narrative.”

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