Thursday’s “First Call” has some significant recognition for former Pitt standout and Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowler James Conner. The Pirates are preparing for their trip to Cleveland to open the post-All-Star break push. Pitching matchups are now set for that series.
Rumors are that Bethel Park’s Mason Miller could wind up in the same bullpen with another former WPIAL star. The Philadelphia Flyers made a late-night signing Penguins fans will notice. And we preview the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in England.
Honoring a local legend
Via the Erie Times-News, ex-Steeler James Conner is getting quite an honor in his hometown. The athletic field at McDowell High School is going to be named after him.
BREAKING: The Millcreek School Board is holding a special meeting on Wednesday to rename McDowell's football field "James Conner Field".@JamesConner_ https://t.co/n8BEOOW56X
— Tom Reisenweber (@ETNreisenweber) July 14, 2026
The Millcreek School Board unanimously voted to give Gus Anderson Field a new name to commemorate the former Pitt Panther as part of a $19.5 million athletic complex renovation.
Conner was a standout two-way player at McDowell before attending the University of Pittsburgh. Not only was he a running back who gobbled up 1,680 yards and 26 total touchdowns, but he also played defensive end.
During his time at Pitt, Conner was an All-ACC running back, battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and was eventually drafted in the third round by the Steelers. He has since gone on to two Pro Bowls — one with the Steelers and one with the Arizona Cardinals.
Conner goes back home to run youth camps and also has other charitable endeavors in the Erie community.
“It’s just one of my biggest honors to date, if not the biggest. What it means for me and my family, and for generations to come. It’s about inspiring people. Hopefully, when people see James Conner Field and look up the story and just try to inspire them in any way I can,” Conner told YourErie.com.
WJET’s website says the upgrades at the fields will include an all-weather track, optimized seating, and a durable synthetic turf.
Tough competition
If the Pirates really want to land hometown kid Mason Miller, they may have to outbid the New York Yankees at the trade deadline.
New York is one of the teams apparently interested in acquiring the Bethel Park alum. During the All-Star Game festivities in Philadelphia, the Waynesburg product said via the San Diego Union-Tribune, “It’s a compliment. They’re a very good team, and they’re interested in good players.”
Miller added, “It’s a big city. I can’t say I’m a big city guy.”
If the Yankees do acquire the San Diego Padres All-Star closer, he may displace David Bednar in the Bronx. Bednar has 18 saves. His ERA is 2.70. The Mars alum hasn’t given up an earned run in two months.
But if Miller comes aboard to form a formidable Western Pa. 1-2 punch in the Yanks’ bullpen, Bednar may go into a setup role. Miller has 25 saves, a 0.91 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 39.2 innings.
Up the road
The Pirates will be in the Bronx to play the Yankees next week for their second series after the All-Star break. But first they have to visit Cleveland.
The Bucs begin the post-All-Star push with three games at Progressive Field starting Friday. The Guardians (51-46) are in the American League’s second wild card spot, 2½ games behind the Yankees and three games in front of Seattle. The Pirates (50-47) are two games back of the Miami Marlins for the National League’s last wild card.
Pittsburgh will pitch Jared Jones in the opener Friday night. He is 1-1 with an ERA of 4.37. He is coming off six innings of perfect baseball against the Atlanta Braves in his most recent outing. Gavin Williams is slated to start for the Guardians. He is 10-4 with an ERA of 3.81. His 134 strikeouts are third-most in the AL.
Gavin Williams, Vicious 89mph Sweeper. ???? pic.twitter.com/aBLxdRTu6F
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 9, 2026
Pittsburgh’s two All-Stars, Braxton Ashcraft and Paul Skenes, will handle the Saturday and Sunday duties. Skenes (8-8, 3.57) is fourth in the National League in strikeouts with 130. Ashcraft (9-3, 3.49) is next at 128.
Lefty Joey Cantillo (8-4, 3.56 ERA) is supposed to go on Saturday for Cleveland, followed by right-hander Tanner Bibee (3-9, 3.90 ERA) on Sunday.
See you soon
We know that the Penguins are opening their season against the Flyers on Sept. 30 in Philly.
We also know that they will be doing so against Trevor Zegras with a new contract. The young forward is going to be making $9.125 million against the salary cap for each of the next four seasons.
He reached an extension with the franchise Wednesday night.
BREAKING: We have signed forward Trevor Zegras to a four-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $9.125 million.
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) July 16, 2026
That move prevents an arbitration hearing for the 25-year-old. He racked up a career-best 26 goals and 67 points in 2025-26.
Zegras also helped the Flyers eliminate the Penguins in the postseason, adding six points in 10 games against them and the Carolina Hurricanes.
Listen: Real Golf Radio’s Brian Taylor joins me to preview the Open Championship in England