There are baseball interviews. And then there are Pittsburgh interviews.

This episode of Off Set with Larry Richert and Jay Caufield falls squarely into the second category, as the guys sit down with Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly for a wide ranging conversation about leadership, culture, family, and what it truly means to represent your hometown.

From Butler to Mount Lebanon to Point Park and eventually to the Pirates dugout, Don Kelly’s journey is one that resonates deeply in a city that values grit, humility, and earning everything the hard way.

Now officially named manager after serving in an interim role, Kelly opens up about the responsibility of the job, the standard he expects every day, and why understanding the grind of being a player shapes how he leads.

Understanding Every Player Because He Has Been Every Player

One of the defining traits of Don Kelly’s playing career was versatility. He played every position on the field, including an unforgettable emergency stint at catcher in the big leagues. That experience now shapes his approach as a manager.

Kelly explains how playing multiple positions allows him to relate to every player in the clubhouse, from everyday starters to bench guys waiting for an opportunity. He talks about why catching might be the toughest job in baseball, the mental toll of always being involved in every pitch, and how preparation matters just as much as talent.

That empathy is at the core of how he plans to manage. He knows how hard the game is. He knows no one wants to fail. And he believes that understanding makes him better equipped to lead at the highest level.

Jim Leyland. Lessons That Still Matter

No conversation about Don Kelly would be complete without Jim Leyland.

Kelly shares stories about the Hall of Fame manager who believed in him, pushed him, and ultimately taught him the most important lesson of all. Be yourself.

From hilarious clubhouse moments to a classic spring training story where Leyland essentially told him to go to the beach so the front office would not change its mind, these moments reveal how much trust and respect existed between the two.

Those lessons still guide Kelly today as he balances accountability with understanding and standards with humanity.

Family. Faith. And the Long Game

Kelly also opens up about his family, including his wife Carey and their three boys, and how being part of a sports family helps everyone understand the grind.

He talks about the importance of multi sport participation for young athletes, the dangers of chasing outcomes too early, and redefining what success really looks like. For Kelly, success is not always making it to the major leagues. It is maximizing whatever gifts you have and never living with a what if.

That mindset shaped his career and now shapes how he wants to develop players at every level of the organization.

A Clear Vision for the Pirates

As spring training approaches, Kelly breaks down what excites him about the Pirates roster and the moves made during the offseason. He discusses the importance of adding offense, building around strong pitching, and creating a culture where every player finds a way to contribute to winning.

He also touches on the pressures modern players face with social media, fan expectations, and the mental side of the game. While acknowledging how challenging that environment can be, Kelly makes it clear that the standard remains the same.

Show up. Compete. Prepare. Earn respect every day.

And when asked what fans should expect, his answer is simple and confident. Meaningful baseball in September.

A Pittsburgh Manager for a Pittsburgh Team

This episode is not just about baseball. It is about leadership, perseverance, and staying true to who you are.

Don Kelly’s story feels uniquely Pittsburgh because it is built on work, humility, and never forgetting where you came from. As he steps fully into the manager role, one thing is clear.

This city recognizes one of its own.

Listen to the full episode of Off Set with Larry Richert and Jay Caufield now and hear why Don Kelly may be exactly the leader the Pirates need at this moment.