Williamsport Council Approves Contracts for Ballpark Renovations

The Williamsport (PA) City Council on Thursday approved construction contracts of $1.1 million for improvements to Bowman Field, home of the Williamsport Crosscutters (Single-A, New York-Penn League).  This will help prep the ballpark for a visit by the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals, which will play a game in front of Little League World Series participants on Aug. 20.  Read more here.

McKechnie Field Now LECOM Park, Last-Surviving McKechnie Relative Not Happy

Earlier this month, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced a ballpark sponsorship deal that would rename their spring training facility LECOM Park.  Since 1962, the ballpark had been McKechnie Field in honor of Hall-of-Famer Bill McKechnie.  Read more here.  Carol Montgomery (85), McKechnie’s daughter, feels “it’s a slap in the face,” despite the move by the Pirates to rename their state-of-the-art home clubhouse in McKechnie’s honor.  Read more here.

Pirates Unveil New Spring Training Clubhouse

PRESS RELEASE – The Pittsburgh Pirates today unveiled the club’s new Major League clubhouse at McKechnie Field, the team’s Spring Training ballpark in Bradenton, Fla.

Ballpark Quirks: PNC Park’s Clemente Connection

In a series called “Ballpark Quirks,” Sports Illustrated takes a look at the distinctive features and oddities that make up each of MLB’s 30 parks. Up now: PNC Park’s Clemente connection.  Read more and view photos here.

A Review of ‘The Closer’

Interested in learning more about the Pittsburgh Pirates’ triple-decker grilled-cheese sandwich called “The Closer?”  It’s got bacon too!  Read more and view photos here.

Pirates Announce Improvements to McKechnie Field and Pirate City

PRESS RELEASE – The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced plans for two capital improvement projects to enhance baseball operations and training facilities at McKechnie Field and Pirate City.

Spring Training Attendance Records Fall in Bradenton

PRESS RELEASE – The Pittsburgh Pirates set new records for average attendance and single game attendance during the 2014 Grapefruit League season. The Pirates drew 91,046 people to 12 Spring Training home games at historic McKechnie Field.

Jolly Roger Walks the Plank in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Wednesday that the franchise will make the gold “P” the team’s primary logo this season, replacing the beloved eye-patch wearing sailor who has been the club’s main symbol for nearly 80 years.  Read more here and here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the heads up.

Bristol White Sox Announce Affiliation with Pittsburgh Pirates

PRESS RELEASE – Bristol Baseball, Inc. is proud to announce its affiliation with the Pittsburgh Pirates, effective immediately.

The Evolution of Ballpark Music

From live organ music of the past to today’s digital music cuts, the sound experience at the ballpark has certainly evolved over the years, even at newer PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Read more here.

Travel Channel Star Talks Ballpark Fare

Pittsburgh Pirates star outfielder (and budding TV host?) Andrew McCutchen talks with noted chef, author and worldwide food taster Anthony Bourdain (Travel Channel: No Reservations) about ballpark beer and food.  Read more and view video here.

Curve Renew PDC With Pirates, Franchise Awarded 2014 Eastern League All-Star Game

PRESS RELEASE – The Pittsburgh Pirates and Altoona Curve have extended their Player Development Contract (PDC) through the 2018 season, the two sides announced today prior to the Pirates-Curve Exhibition Game in Altoona.  The announcement was made by Curve owner Bob Lozinak, Curve General Manager Rob Egan, Pirates President

Fans Turn Out for Spring Training at Renovated McKechnie

McKechnie Field, the summer home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and regular-season home of the Single-A Bradenton Marauders (Florida State League), has undergone a $10 million renovation, and the spend appears to be paying off.  Attendance is up four percent over last year, and a record 8,541 turned out for a St. Patrick’s Day game Sunday between the Pirates and

Pirates Unveil New Alternative Home Unis

The Pittsburgh Pirates have unveiled new alternative home uniforms for the 2013 season.  The club will sport the 70s-style throwback duds during Sunday home games.  Read more and view designs here.  View photos from PirateFest this past weekend.  Thanks to John Cerone for the news.

McKechnie Field: Makeover Update

McKechnie Field, the summer home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and regular-season home of the Single-A Bradenton Marauders (Florida State League), is undergoing a $10 million renovation.  County and city officials and members of the media were given a half- hour tour of the stadium Thursday to show them how the project is progressing.  Read more and view photo here.  Watch news clip here.

Ballpark Visit ALERT: Three Rivers Stadium (Pittsburgh, PA)

Former All-Star pitcher Jerry Reuss and Robert K. Shoop remember Three Rivers Stadium, former home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, courtesy of DigitalBallparks.com.   Read more and view photos here.

Jamestown to Morgantown?

TribLive.com blogger Rob Biertempfel is reporting that the Pittsburgh Pirates’ newest affiliate, the Single-A Jamestown Jammers (New York-Penn League), have applied to relocate to the developing new ballpark in Morgantown (WV) as early as 2014.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the news.

Renovations Coming to McKechnie Field

The City of Bradenton (FL) has approved $7.5 million in upgrades for McKechnie Field, the spring-training home for the Pittsburgh Pirates and regular-season home for the Single-A Bradenton Marauders (Florida State League).  Upgrades will include a new 360-degree boardwalk; permanent roof; new concessions, restrooms and specialty bar; and an increased capacity from 6,500 to 8,500.  Read more here.

Spikes to Pirates: Win or Else!

The Single-A State College Spikes (New York-Penn League) are tired of losing each year and have expressed that they might not renew their Player Development Contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates after this season.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Funds Approved for Ballpark Renovations

The City of Bradenton (FL) and Manatee County have signed off on a deal that would provide $7.5 million for improvements to McKechnie Field, the spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and regular-season home of the Bradenton Marauders (Florida State League).  Read more here.  Thanks to Eddie Utley for the link.

Upgrades on Deck for McKechnie Field

The City of Bradenton (FL) is considering a plan to borrow $7.5 million for upgrades to McKechnie Field, the spring home for the Pittsburgh Pirates and regular-season home for the Single-A Bradenton Mauraders (Florida State League).  Read more here

Iron City Brewing Co. Partners with Pirates in New Marketing Partnership

PRESS RELEASE – Iron City Brewing Co. today announced an agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates to serve as lead sponsor of the Skyblast fireworks and music series, which begins June 11 with Huey Lewis & the News, followed by concerts with .38 Special (July 9) and Train (August 6). The agreement also grants Iron City and the Pirates rights to use each other’s name and logos in advertising

Milan, Paris…Pittsburgh? Uni Fashion World Led by Pirates

Paul Lukas from Uni Watch takes a look at the revolutionary (uniform-wise) Pittsburgh Pirates.  Read more here.