The Pirates will begin their 2025 home campaign on Friday afternoon and will be highlighted by an American hero throwing out the first pitch.
The Pirates have announced Marc Fogel will throw out the ceremonial first pitch just before Pittsburgh takes on the Yankees at 4:12 p.m.
Fogel was released from a Russian prison in February after being detained for three-and-a-half years for having medical marijuana on his person while in the foreign country.
He was detained in 2021 and convicted the following year to a 14-year prison sentence, but was freed through work from local and national officials.
Fogel met with President Donald Trump in the White House shortly after returning to U.S.
soil.
The Butler native had an Iron City Beer in his hand and was wearing Steelers gear.
The Pirates say they're "proud" to host Fogel.
Gates to fans will open at 2 p.m. with several home opener ceremonies taking place.
Here is a rundown of events leading up to the first pitch, provided by the Pirates:
Opening Ceremonies · Gate Time: PNC Park gates will open to ALL FANS at 2 p.m.
· Pirates Pregame: All fans in attendance are encouraged to be in their seats by 3:35 p.m. as Pirates play-by-play broadcaster, Greg Brown, will welcome everyone to PNC Park for the 2025 Home Opener and begin the pregame ceremony.
· Season Ticket Holder Appreciation: A special flag unfurl will take place in the PNC Park outfield with the help of our Pirates Season Ticket Holders who are celebrating at least 25 years with the team.
· Lineup: Members of the Pirates and Yankees will take part in player introductions on the infield lines.
· Moment of Silence: The Pirates and Yankees will take part in a pregame ceremony with fans and observe a moment of silence for the Pirates alumni and friends of the organization who were lost over the offseason.
· Color Guard: The colors will be presented by the Pennsylvania State Police Ceremonial Unit. The unit has represented the commonwealth at events nationwide, including professional and collegiate sporting events, wreath-laying ceremonies at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, and most recently, as the featured organization in this year's presidential inauguration parade.
· God Bless America: God Bless America will be performed by Ricky Manning, Commander at the Allegheny County Sherriff's Office. Manning is a 26-year veteran of the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office under Sheriff Kevin Kraus, and a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
· National Anthem: The National Anthem will be performed by Staff Sergeant Joseph Dukes. In 2021, Dukes played a key role in evacuating over 124,000 Afghan refugees and American citizens during Operation Allies Refuge. As a member of the honor guard, he has rendered final military honors for over 550 fallen Air Force veterans. He helps prepare the next generation of airmen at the 911th Airlift Wing for Air Force Basic Military Training.
· Up in the Sky: A special flyover will take place by four Blackhawk helicopters. The flyover is supported by members from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade.
