Pirates Announce Events For Home Opener

Pittsburgh (KDKA)- The Pirates today announced the schedule of events for the regular season home opener on Thursday, April 7th vs. Colorado.

The gates to PNC Park will open for the public at 11:30 AM.

Pride of the Pirates Award
*Pirates president Frank Coonelly and GM Neal Huntington will announce the recipient of the annual "Pride of the Pirates" award. This was created in 1990 to recognize members of the Pirates family who have demonstrated the qualities of sportsmanship, dedication and outstanding character during a lifetime of service to the organization.

*Legendary Pirates manager Chuck Tanner, who passed away this past off-season, will be honored for his outstanding work as a member of the Pirates family. Several former Pirate players will be on-field for this special tribute. Players attending include John Candelaria, Phil Garner, Grant Jackson, Bruce Kison, Jim Rooker, Manny Sanguillen, Dave Parker and Kent Tekulve.

*The game time first pitch will be thrown out by Bruce Tanner, son of Chuck Tanner and will be caught by Manny Sanguillen.

*God Bless America will be performed by Captain Sarah Micklo of the United State Air Force and the Star Spangled Banner will be performed by Youngstown, Ohio native and saxophonist for rock band O.A.R., Jerry DePizzo.