"The Fort" is returning to Pittsburgh.
Former Pirates catcher Michael McKenry, nicknamed "The Fort" for his rugged style of play during his time in Pittsburgh, has been named Kent Tekulve's replacement as the pregame and postgame analyst for Pirates broadcasts on AT&T SportsNet. Tekulve retired from his position at the conclusion of last season.
The network announced Friday that McKenry will join Stan Savran, Rob King and Dan Potash for the pregame and postgame shows, and McKenry will make his debut during a spring broadcast between the Pirates and Tigers on March 8.
“Blessed and honored to be back in the ‘Burgh working with such great people,” McKenry said in a news release. “Excited for this opportunity and hope to be a part of the AT&T SportsNet family for a long time.”
McKenry, 32, last played in the major leagues two seasons ago, when he appeared in three games for the Cardinals. A seventh-round draft pick of the Rockies in 2006, McKenry played 187 games for the Pirates from 2011-13, 145 of which were starts. He batted .226/.293/.381 during that span and went on to play for the Rockies and Cardinals organizations.
After playing 73 games for the Rays' Triple-A affiliate last spring, McKenry announced his plans to retire and become director of player development at his alma mater, Middle Tennessee State.