Popular sideline reporter Robby Incmikoski won't join Pirates coverage on SportsNet Pittsburgh

When the Pittsburgh Pirates formed a television broadcast partnership with the Penguins for joint ownership of SportsNet Pittsburgh, they did so for the sake of continuity for viewership.

One prominent member of Pirates coverage for more than a decade won’t be joining the broadcast team, however, as sideline reporter Robby Incmikoski is planning to pursue other opportunities.

Incmikoski, 48, Philadelphia native, joined then-Root Sports in 2013 (before it became AT&T SportsNet) after after four years in Minnesota covering the Twins and Timberwolves for Fox Sports North.

Spring Training can now begin, as television’s Robby Incmikoski has arrived at Pirate City. pic.twitter.com/gQUyaOOvRC

— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) February 21, 2020

A gifted storyteller who found creative ways to share major-league moments — from interviewing family members as they watched an MLB debut to young fans interacting with star players to racing MLB.com reporter Adam Berry on a zipline at SunTrust Park in Atlanta — Incmikoski covered the Pirates at their best and worst. He handled pregame interviews with Pirates manager Derek Shelton, did in-game reports and on-field postgame player interviews that frequently found him dodging surprise Gatorade showers.

“The Pirates could not have been better to me,” Incmikoski told TribLive. “I realize it’s a bumpy ride at times with this team, but Bob Nutting runs a top-notch organization and treats everyone first class, including me. I’m thankful to have spent 11 seasons covering the Pirates, and I root for them every day.”

Greg Brown and Robby Incmikoski made me feel welcome during my #pressboxtour2022. Some people say Robby is on par with regional cable journalism's finest @TheCatOnBallyTV That's a big statement! Greg is the voice of the @Pirates ... no clearing the deck today please. pic.twitter.com/xPBgYDDJz6

— Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) May 22, 2022

@ATTSportsNetPIT Robby Incmikoski is a class act! He made my kids day last night during the Pirates @ Nationals game. pic.twitter.com/ishOHPuoRH

— Joseph Murphy (@JosephMurphy08) April 30, 2023

SportsNet Pittsburgh is run by New England Sports Network, the sports broadcast branch of Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Bruins and Red Sox along with the Penguins. It also hired a new sideline reporter in Hailey Hunter, shifting the popular Dan Potash into the studio to host pregame and postgame shows.

Incmikoski, who resides in Mt. Washington, said he plans to stay in Pittsburgh and remain in broadcasting. He has hosted a radio show on KDKA-AM and will be the host for comedian Matt Light on Saturday night at Stage AE.

“I love this city, and I’m not leaving,” Incmikoski said. “I want to pursue broadcasting outside of sports and, at some point, do news and lifestyle stories. I’m always up for a new challenge.”