Some of the kids were decked out in their colorful Little League uniforms, and scores of others wore Pirates black and gold T-shirts and jerseys with their favorite player’s name on the back -- Paul Skenes, Oneil Cruz, Andrew McCutchen and David Bednar among them.
The morning on-field event, which was free to boys and girls from ages 5 to 14 who registered online in advance, included interactive baseball and softball activities at stations positioned along the outfield grass that were dedicated to hitting, fielding, pitching and baserunning. The stations were led by members of the Pirates’ front office as well as local youth baseball coaches.
The Play Ball program is a collaborative effort between Major League Baseball and USA Baseball that is designed to encourage widespread participation in all forms of baseball and softball. It highlights the many ways the games can be played, including those outside of traditionally organized leagues and tournaments.
“Play Ball Weekend is a great opportunity for us to work with area groups to highlight the game of baseball in a fun and meaningful way. We partner with MLB on this initiative to promote participation in the game and provide kids with the resources they need to hone their skills,” said John Leonard, Pirates manager of youth baseball and softball.
“Throughout the weekend, it’s instituted by all the big league clubs as well as Minor League clubs and many other organizations. This weekend is all about baseball. It’s about giving kids the resources they need to succeed, but it all comes back to having fun and enjoying the game.”
Former Pirates catcher Michael McKenry also served as an instructor and seemed to be every bit as excited as the youngsters on hand were.
“Yeah, sometimes I think I’m the biggest kid,” he said.
While McKenry was behind the plate at the pitching station, a girl with long blonde locks stepped to the mound. She surprised him by throwing the ball sidearm, and her first offering was a solid strike.
“All right, slinger. I love that. You can be on my team any time,” McKenry exclaimed.
McKenry, who spent three seasons in a Pirates uniform (2011-13) and a total of seven in the Majors, said it was obvious to him how much the kids were enjoying being on the field -- and how much they love the game.
“The coolest part is these kids come here, they have joy in their hearts, they listen, and they have fun,” he said. “You give them advice and tips, and they ask for more. They really have a good time out there, and I’m honored to be a part of this.
“When kids play the game and start to have some success, that’s important. When they do something right and get some affirmation and experience some joy, then they’re hooked on this game.”
Justin Secrist of Monongahela, Pa., which is located about 45 minutes south of Pittsburgh, brought his sons Rhett and Ryatt to the Play Ball event. And it wasn’t their first time.
“We’re in the Ringgold Youth Baseball Association, and someone in our league turned us on to this event,” he said. “This is the third one of these we’ve been to, and we love it. It’s great that the Pirates put these on for the kids.
“The more my kids play, the better they get, and they’ve come to realize that. They’re forever saying, ‘Come on, let’s go catch.’ And they love coming to Pirates games. We’ve already been to seven this year. And today they get their chance to be on the field.”
Based on the three previous times Leonard has run the Play Ball event for the Pirates, he expected a full inbox when he arrived at his office at PNC Park on Monday morning.
“We get a lot of emails from parents after this event, telling us about the fun their kids had and the friends that they made. A lot of dreams are created here, too,” he said. “Our commitment to creating more opportunities to enjoy the game of baseball locally starts at the top with Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting and his passion for supporting youth programs throughout our area.”
“None of the kids who were here today will ever forget the great time they had being on the grass at PNC Park. Everyone always leaves with a big smile.”