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Konnor Griffin adds to hype with comments after MLB debut 
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pirates' Konnor Griffin adds to hype with comments after MLB debut 

By Mike J. Asti  |  Last updated Apr 3, 2026 11:32 PM ET

With one game under his belt, Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Konnor Griffin can settle in, although it may be difficult to ever top what took place on Friday. 

Griffin, 19, even admitted that his MLB debut, which added to the festivities of the Pirates' home opener, was a dream come true after the game. 

Rocketing a pitch to left center field on the first at-bat of his career, the Pirates' top prospect, who was called up so he could make his debut as Pittsburgh opened their first series at home, went 1-for-3 and made an immediate impact, picking up his first hit, RBI, run scored and walk of his career all in the same game. 

Konnor Griffin's memorable MLB debut led to a Pirates win

And most importantly, especially for a Pirates franchise that hasn't been to the playoffs or even recorded a winning season since 2015, Pittsburgh won the game, edging out the Baltimore Orioles 5-4.

Griffin's debut lived up to his dreams

"It was awesome. Everything I've dreamed of for a long time. Getting it under my belt. We got a win as well, it was a perfect day," said Griffin while being interviewed by MLB Network after the magical day. 

He also made sure to acknowledge the sellout crowd at PNC Park. 

"Really got me going. We had a great crowd here at PNC. And just got me fired up." 

Knowing how starving the city is for a winning baseball team, Griffin closed the night with another message to the fans.

Griffin made sure to leave the fans wanting more

"This place is awesome, let's keep winning!"

While there are no guarantees of how Griffin will play throughout his entire rookie season, he certainly helped feed into the hype and extremely high expectations with how he performed and then what he had to say in game No. 1 in Pittsburgh. 

Following an inconsistent experience in spring training, Griffin, drafted by the Pirates in the first round in 2024, hit .438 with seven hits, three doubles, an RBI and three stolen bases in five games and 16 at-bats with Triple-A Indianapolis before getting the call to join the Pirates in the Big Leagues. 

Mike J. Asti
Twitter/X

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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