Homestead (KDKA) - After a solid performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Homestead residents are proud to say that Charlie Batch got his start in the area.
Batch, who had his first start in nearly three years against Tampa Bay and threw for three touchdowns, grew up in the Mon Valley.
His performance in Sunday's game was especially meaningful considering it was unsure whether he'd even be on the roster this year.
Raymond Saunders of Homestead said that he's always known Batch was able to play the game well.
"I mean, the boy has always been talented. You know, I watched him going to Steel Valley, he has always been talented. He got the line; he did what he needed to do. He got the job done," he said.
Batch has invested in an old warehouse in the Homestead area that he is hoping to convert into upper-grade apartments. There is also a playground in his name that fills with aspiring athletes every year.
"You're just so proud. It's like your favorite son makes good. I don't care what the good is, but here he makes good because this kid has worked so hard. He's been on the sidelines so long; they almost got rid of him. He's hometown, I mean, he's hometown pride," said Betty Esper, mayor of Homestead.
With only one more game until Ben Roethlisberger returns from suspension, other Steeler fans are questioning whether Batch's performance against Tampa Bay will really keep him on the roster.
"I think they'll keep him around for second, third string, one of them. But I mean, Roethlisberger is obviously going to start," said South Side resident Charles Campbell.
The Steelers take on the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field Sunday. Batch fans are hopeful that he'll get the chance to be the starting quarterback.
KDKA
Sep 27, 2010
