Just moments after landing at Pittsburgh International Airport, former Pittsburgh Pirates Manager Derek Shelton, now an analyst for MLB Network, made headlines with a surprise message directed at the Pirates’ current Head Coach Don Kelly.
Shelton, who managed the team from 2020 to 2024, is in Pittsburgh for a special MLB Network segment covering the Pirates’ impressive turnaround this season. But it was his unexpected public statement that caught both fans and insiders off guard.
Speaking to reporters on the tarmac, Shelton said:
“I’ve been watching closely from the other side of the fence, and I have to say — Don Kelly has done something truly special with this club. The culture, the consistency, the belief — it’s everything we were trying to build. I’m proud, and honestly, a bit emotional seeing it come full circle.”
Sources close to Shelton say this is the first time he has publicly commented on the team since his departure last year. The message is seen by many as a rare moment of sportsmanship and support in a league often marked by silent rivalries and behind-the-scenes tension.
Shelton is expected to make a guest appearance in the broadcast booth during this weekend’s series and may reunite with members of the coaching staff — including Kelly — behind the scenes at PNC Park.
The Pirates, currently in playoff contention, have been riding a wave of strong performances, with Kelly credited for revitalizing the team’s clubhouse and leading a new generation of talent.
