Pirates Turn T-Shirt Flub Into Rally Cry: ‘Hoist The Cone!’

Pirates Turn T-Shirt Flub Into Rally Cry: ‘Hoist The Cone!’

The Pittsburgh Pirates are embracing a quirky new tradition, turning a Fanatics t-shirt misprint into their rallying cry: “Hoist The Cone.” What started as a confusing slogan on merchandise has become a symbol of the team’s recent success, even as they navigate challenging pitching performances.

Ske’s Struggles and a New Identity

The Pirates’ pitching has been a major storyline this season, especially for pitcher Paul Skenes. In his last start, Skenes was pulled in the first inning, struggling with a 67.00 ERA. He had yet to record three outs in an MLB game this season before his second start. During that difficult outing, the outfield defense also faltered, with the center fielder making multiple errors with runners in scoring position.

However, that center fielder is no longer with the team, a change Skenes won’t have to worry about again. But the team still has an outfielder who has hit two home runs in a single game recently. The sentiment is clear: he can’t catch a fly ball and should perhaps be in a different role, like the Designated Hitter.

This situation perfectly highlights the team’s current mood. “This is how we feel about Paul Skenes,” one commentator noted. “Don Kelly likes his gas.” The idea of a DH who can’t play the field is already present in the league, allowing players to stay in the dugout and, in the Pirates’ case, “Hoist the Cone all day long.”

The Mystery of the Cone

So, what exactly is “hoisting the cone”? It’s a tradition that seems to have deep roots with the Pirates, but its origin is surprisingly simple. A Fanatics t-shirt meant for the Pirates featured the slogan “Hoist The Cone” with the team’s ‘P’ logo. No one in Pittsburgh initially understood what it meant, but the team decided to run with it.

This new tradition replaces the old one: raising the Jolly Roger after a win. The flag, representing the Pirates, rarely gets raised. “It doesn’t get up there a lot though,” a commentator observed about the Jolly Roger.

Now, when the Pirates hit home runs, they are “hoisting that cone.” They’ve even combined it with another celebration: the welder’s mask. The explanation? “There’s a cone and a mask. We’re hoisting because it’s a traffic cone. We can’t be having too much traffic on the base.” It’s a playful way to signify success and keep the energy high.

Fanatics’ Influence on Baseball Culture

Fanatics is clearly making its mark on baseball culture, influencing traditions across different teams. The “Hoist The Cone” slogan is a prime example of how a simple merchandise idea can become a team’s identity. “Fanatics is saying, ‘We get involved in your league, we make your league better,'” one commentator stated.

Other teams are following suit with unique celebrations. The Miami Marlins are using “Ruffle the Feathers” as their slogan, seen on merchandise with fish imagery. The Cincinnati Reds are reportedly considering a “Break The Bulb” tradition, where players smash light bulbs with their bats after hitting home runs. These creative traditions add a new layer of excitement to the game.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for the Pirates?

The Pirates are currently 4-1 in their recent stretch, showing signs of life. In a recent game, O’Neill Cruz hit a home run, and he “hoisted the cone.” The team was up 3-1 in the top of the sixth inning, with Skenes recording 5 strikeouts through five innings. This performance marks a significant improvement from his earlier struggles, bringing his ERA down from 67.00 to 9.53.

This climb, from a disastrous start to a more respectable outing, shows progress. The “Hoist The Cone” tradition, born from a simple t-shirt error, seems to be bringing a new wave of positive energy and focus to the Pittsburgh Pirates. As they continue to win and embrace their unique celebrations, the entire league is watching to see if this momentum can last.

Source: Pirates Turn Fanatics T-Shirt Misprint Into Rally Cry, Are All "Hoisting The Cone" | Pat McAfee Show (YouTube)