Adam Hyzdu's collection of scattered major-league experiences became a little more complete Tuesday when he suited up for the Pittsburgh Pirates in his hometown.

        Hyzdu, a 1990 Moeller High School graduate, was recalled from Triple-A Nashville in a flurry of roster moves. Though the outfielder received two previous stints with Pittsburgh, he hadn't appeared at Cinergy Field/Riverfront Stadium since participating in a 1990 pre-draft workout for the Reds in front of then-manager Lou Piniella and former general manager Bob Quinn.

        Hyzdu, 29, knew he was back in the Queen City after entering the Pirates' clubhouse.

        “I was here two minutes and I already had some chili dogs,” he said, adding, “I won't tell you which (brand) they were.”

        Hyzdu, who spent 1994-95 in the Reds' organization, has endured 12 seasons in the minors. But he always has excelled in his Pirates opportunities. He hit .389 (7-for-18) in 12 games for them last year before batting .333 (3-for-9) with two homers and three RBI in four June games this season.

        “Ultimately, this is the highest level of baseball,” Hyzdu said. “If you're playing this game for a living, this is where you want to play, because it's the best competition. I think that's part of the thing that drives me the most — the desire to play against the best. I'm going to enjoy it, as I have last year and earlier this year.”

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