Former Pirates pitcher Joe Musgrove pens goodbye note to Pittsburgh

Former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Joe Musgrove posted a “To Pittsburgh, with Love” message to fans on Twitter.

The pitcher shared a photo of a handwritten farewell note on Wednesday night.

“To my Pittsburgh famalee,” the note starts. “I feel so honored to have been part of such a historic organization. To wear the same uniform as greats like Clemente, Maz, Blass, Sanguillén, Stargell, Parker … the list goes on.”

Musgrove then writes about about the strength and character of Pittsburgh.

“There’s a certain standard that the city of Pittsburgh expects out of you. Not only as a ballplayer, but as a human being as well. A certain level of grittiness and toughness. If you need someone to hold your hand and tell you everything is going to be okay, this isn’t the city for you.

“But that’s what I love about the city.”

He laments not winning more while he was here, but appreciates the time with his teammates.

The pitcher also thanked the organization and his former teammates with the Pirates.

“You guys will always have my love and respect. If that’s the last time I put on a Pirates uniform, I hope this letter can help express just how grateful I am for the opportunity.”

Musgrove signs off, “Thanks for the peace! Take care Yinz. Love, Big Joe.”

To Pittsburgh, with Love. pic.twitter.com/zlNmR3Gt09

— Joe Musgrove (@ItsbuccnJoe59) January 21, 2021

Many fans replied to the post to thank him and wished him luck.

The City of Pittsburgh account replied, “Thank you. Always a part of our community.”

Musgrove was traded to the San Diego Padres on Monday in a three-team deal that returned five players. The trade sends the 28-year-old right-hander back to his native San Diego.

Musgrove was 18-26 with a 4.23 ERA in 58 starts over three seasons for the Pirates, including 1-5 with a 3.86 ERA and 55 strikeouts in five starts last season.