After highly-touted prospect Konnor Griffin debuted for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, his team gave him a traffic cone.
Yes, an orange traffic cone for his first MLB hit — an RBI double to center field off of a curveball. The Pirates tradition started this season, thanks to outfielder Jake Mangum, to celebrate big hits, and Griffin’s debut parked it front and center.
“That was special,” Griffin told reporters after a 5-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. “Got to hoist the cone (in) celebration. This team’s awesome. We’re going to do a lot of great things.”
Griffin brought the Pirates fans to a standing ovation with his first career hit as the 19-year-old phenom went to second base. He became the youngest shortstop to debut since Alex Rodriguez in 1994, and Griffin’s debut marked the most-anticipated since Mike Trout in 2011.
More News: Reaction Pouring in Over Blue Jays-Marlins Trade
More News: Mets Fans Receive Worst Possible Freddy Peralta Extension News
“Everything in general was just amazing, running onto the field, hearing my name called,” Griffin said. “I tried to just be present.”
“Didn’t really feel my feet much,” Griffin added, “but just tried to be where my feet were and enjoy the moment.”
The moment wasn’t too big for Griffin, who impressed in the minor leagues last year as he moved up through each level. Griffin hit .333 with 21 home runs, 94 RBI, and 65 stolen bases.
Pittsburgh selected Griffin with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 draft. He passed on playing for LSU to join the Pirates’ farm system in 2025 as his career took off.
On Friday, Griffin matched that batting average with a 1-3 performance at the plate, and he scored a run, too. He helped the Pirates improve to 4-3 on the season as the team held on after a 4-0 start.
“It was awesome, getting the win,” Griffin said. “It was just a cherry on top. It was hands down one of the best hits of my life.”
More News: Baseball Player’s Wild Home Run Bounces Off Opponents Head — Watch It Here
