These topics air Monday, August 18, 2014 at noon and 8pm on 90.5 WESA. Join the conversation LIVE between 12pm & 1 pm weekdays at 412-246-2002.
Remembering Sophie Masloff
Former Pittsburgh Mayor Sophie Masloff died Sunday at the age of 96. In the spring of 1988 she became Pittsburgh's first female and first Jewish mayor, after the death of Mayor Richard S. Caliguiri. We talked with Joseph Sabino Mistick, Masloff's longtime friend and former top aide about her legacy in Pittsburgh. And hear an excerpt from her 2012 conversation on Essential Pittsburgh.
"21" the Clemente Musical
In October a new play about Pirates legend Roberto Clemente is coming to Point Park University’s Conservatory Theater Company. The musical, “21,” is written and composed by Alki Steriopoulos, who grew up in Pittsburgh. Steriopoulos began working on the play in 2007 but October will mark the debut of “21” as a full production. Steriopoulos joins us to talk about “21” and the significance of its debut in the Steel City.
Steve Blass
Former Pirates pitcher Steve Blass was a teammate of Roberto Clemente's for nine seasons and together they led Pittsburgh to the 1971 World Series Championship. Blass will help us celebrate Clemente's 80th birthday with stories and recollections of their playing days both on and off the field.
Character Assassination
Baseball writer Richard "Pete' Peterson joins us to talk about the unfortunate story of former Pirates pitcher Fritz Ostermueller, a Pirates pitcher who was unfairly cast as a racist in the movie "42." The movie tells the story of Jackie Robinson's first season in the big leagues and portrays Ostermueller beaning Robinson in the head, which never happened.
To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be heard here.
