PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Recently named to the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Pirates announced Tuesday Jim Leyland will throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Home Opener on Friday.
Leyland started his managerial career with the Bucs in 1986 finishing with 851 wins and three straight division titles in 11 years. Leyland won 851 games with the Pirates, 1,769 overall in 22 seasons with three pennants and a World Series title. He was a three-time Manager of the Year and five other times finished in the top five in voting.
Other highlights for the Pirates first home game of the season:
· The Grammy award-winning musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Brass Section will play the National Anthem.
· The United States 316th Sustainment Command Color Guard will present the flags
· Ke’Bryan Hayes will receive his Gold Glove from Steve Cohen of Rawlings
· US Air Force Sergeant Joseph Dukes will sing God Bless America. He played a direct role in evacuating American citizens and 124,000 Afghan refugees out of Afghanistan.
· Gates will open two hours before first pitch instead of an hour-and-a-half
· Weather permitting, a pair of para jumpers will take part in pregame ceremonies which will begin at 1:30p
Coverage all-day long on 93.7 The Fan with The North Shore Tavern Pregame Show presented by Pella Windows beginning at 3p and first pitch at 4:12p.