​Josh Harrison Retires as a Pirate: Why Former All-Star Remains Fan Favorite in Pittsburgh originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.For nearly a decade, Josh Harrison was not only one the most reliable, versatile players for the Pirates, but also a true fan favorite in Pittsburgh.Known for his infectious energy and smile, Harrison was a key piece of the group that was able to snap the Pirates’ streak of 20 consecutive losing seasons and reach the playoffs. He will be honored for his contributions when he officially retires as a member of the organization on Aug. 7.And that’s not all. Harrison will throw out the first pitch on Aug. 8 before the Pirates face the Mets. There will also be a Harrison T-shirt giveaway to the first 20,000 fans at PNC Park.”Throughout his career, Josh Harrison embodied what it means to be a Pittsburgh Pirate: a gritty, hardworking player, a great teammate and a kind person who was always gracious with his time,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said. “He was and remains a cherished member of our organization.”Josh is incredibly deserving of this celebration, and we look forward to honoring him alongside his family and friends in front of our fans at PNC Park.”Josh Harrison’s impact with PiratesA 13-year veteran, Harrison spent the first eight years of his MLB career with the Pirates. He provided value as a utility player, showing a willingness to do whatever it takes to win by playing several positions.Harrison became an everyday player and earned his first All-Star selection in 2014, and he won the league’s Heart and Hustle Award that same year. He slashed .315/.347/.490 with a career-high 5.6 WAR, and he finished ninth in NL MVP voting.During that season, one particular play showed exactly why Pittsburgh fans loved him so much. Caught in a rundown, Harrison simply refused to give up, dodging multiple tag attempts before somehow safely reaching third base.”Unbelievable! No way! That’s impossible!” play-by-play announcer Greg Brown said. “That is impossible! He could not possibly have done that!”Harrison went on to play four more seasons in Pittsburgh, and he was named an All-Star in 2017. He bounced around the league during the final years of his career, playing for the Athletics, Nationals, Phillies, Tigers and White Sox, but he will finish right where he started.”The city means a lot to us,” Harrison said (via MLB.com). “It’s our home away from home. I had some of my better years in Pittsburgh and grew a lot. That’s where me and my family started.”For it to come full circle is really special. … I was just in the right place at the right time with those guys. Pittsburgh gave me an opportunity. I’ll always be a Pirate.”Josh Harrison career stats with PiratesStatValueG842AB2,787H7732B1543B27HR52RBI269R363BB120BA.277OBP.317SLG.408OPS.725WAR14.1More PiratesLatest Pirates news2026 Pirates schedule2026 Pirates rosterComplete history of