MLB Video: Derek Shelton met with boos from Pirates fans during home opener against Yankees

Derek Shelton was met with boos during the Pittsburgh Pirates’ home opener of the 2025 MLB season against the New York Yankees, who came into the game hungry for a win after losing a recent road series. The reaction from the home crowd was likely driven by the team’s poor results.

The boos rang out clearly when the stadium announcer called out Shelton’s name. At that moment, the fans made their frustration known, highlighting their disappointment with the Pirates’ five losses leading into the series against the Yankees.

It’s worth noting that Shelton had a rough year managing the Pirates last MLB season, missing the postseason and finishing with a losing record of 76-86. The team ended in last place in the NL Central, behind the Reds and Cubs.

Shelton acknowledges the challenges facing the Pirates. In their first six games, the team allowed an average of 5.16 runs per game—a troublingly high number for a team that’s supposed to boast a strong rotation, with Paul Skenes serving as the cornerstone of their defense.

Colin Holderman also faced fan frustration

According to a report by Danny Demilio of Pittsburgh Baseball Now, Holderman was also on the receiving end of boos during the home opener—an unusual occurrence, as fans rarely direct their frustrations at players.

Demilio also noted in an article that a large banner flew over PNC Park before the game against the Yankees, urging the Pirates’ owner to sell the team.