PITTSBURGH — Clint Hurdle sits at his desk, talking about the evolution of the Pittsburgh Pirates from perennial big-league losers into World Series contenders.
He talks about how a team with a payroll of about $99 million — right around what the Rockies spend — have an organization others look to emulate.
Stacked neatly on Hurdle's desk are books about leadership, self-motivation and fulfilling individual potential.
On an end table, near a big leather coach, stands a bronze statue about 18 inches high. It captures the unmistakable image of Pirates legend Bill Mazeroski, helmet held high, rounding the bases after hitting a home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the heavily favored New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series.