Your Guide to Pirates Opening Day 2014
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – On Monday, March 31, the Pittsburgh Pirates will host Opening Day for the 2014 season of Pirates baseball against the Chicago Cubs at 1:05 p.m.The following guide provides information on the game, opening day activities, traffic tips, and more.
CHICAGO CUBS at PITTSBURGH PIRATES
When: Monday 3/31, 1:05 PM ET*
Where: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Radio: KDKA-FM 93.7
TV: ROOT Sports, ESPN, WGN (Local Blackout Rules Apply)
*Gates to PNC Park will open at 11 a.m. with pregame ceremonies scheduled to begin at approximately 12:30 p.m.
PIRATES 2013 RECORD: 94-68, 2nd place NL Central
CUBS 2013 RECORD: 66-96, 5th place NL Central
PROBABLE PITCHERS
Jeff Samardzija, RHP – Cubs
This is Samardzija’s second straight Opening Day start. Last year he held the Pirates to two hits over eight scoreless innings for the win. He’s the first pitcher to make back-to-back Opening Day starts at PNC Park.
Francisco Liriano, LHP – Pirates
The 2013 NL Comeback Player of the Year already has his first comeback of ’14: Liriano’s Opening Day start was jeopardized by a tight left groin muscle suffered on March 20, but he made a quick recovery.
PIRATES ACTIVE ROSTER
# | Pitchers | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
45 | Gerrit Cole | R-R | 6’4″ | 240 | Sep 8, 1990 |
30 | Jeanmar Gomez | R-R | 6’3″ | 220 | Feb 10, 1988 |
39 | Jason Grilli | R-R | 6’4″ | 235 | Nov 11, 1976 |
47 | Francisco Liriano | L-L | 6’2″ | 215 | Oct 26, 1983 |
35 | Mark Melancon | R-R | 6’2″ | 215 | Mar 28, 1985 |
29 | Bryan Morris | L-R | 6’3″ | 225 | Mar 28, 1987 |
50 | Charlie Morton | R-R | 6’5″ | 235 | Nov 12, 1983 |
38 | Stolmy Pimentel | R-R | 6’3″ | 230 | Feb 1, 1990 |
51 | Wandy Rodriguez | S-L | 5’10” | 195 | Jan 18, 1979 |
36 | Edinson Volquez | R-R | 6’0″ | 220 | Jul 3, 1983 |
44 | Tony Watson | L-L | 6’4″ | 225 | May 30, 1985 |
37 | Justin Wilson | L-L | 6’2″ | 205 | Aug 18, 1987 |
# | Catchers | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB |
55 | Russell Martin | R-R | 5’10” | 215 | Feb 15, 1983 |
26 | Tony Sanchez | R-R | 5’11” | 225 | May 20, 1988 |
# | Infielders | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB |
24 | Pedro Alvarez | L-R | 6’3″ | 235 | Feb 6, 1987 |
12 | Clint Barmes | R-R | 6’1″ | 200 | Mar 6, 1979 |
5 | Josh Harrison | R-R | 5’8″ | 200 | Jul 8, 1987 |
3 | Travis Ishikawa | L-L | 6’3″ | 220 | Sep 24, 1983 |
10 | Jordy Mercer | R-R | 6’3″ | 205 | Aug 27, 1986 |
17 | Gaby Sanchez | R-R | 6’1″ | 235 | Sep 2, 1983 |
18 | Neil Walker | S-R | 6’3″ | 210 | Sep 10, 1985 |
# | Outfielders | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB |
6 | Starling Marte | R-R | 6’1″ | 185 | Oct 9, 1988 |
22 | Andrew McCutchen | R-R | 5’10” | 190 | Oct 10, 1986 |
23 | Travis Snider | L-L | 6’0″ | 235 | Feb 2, 1988 |
31 | Jose Tabata | R-R | 5’11” | 210 | Aug 12, 1988 |
CUBS ACTIVE ROSTER
# | Pitchers | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
52 | Justin Grimm | R-R | 6’3″ | 210 | Aug 16, 1988 |
39 | Jason Hammel | R-R | 6’6″ | 225 | Sep 2, 1982 |
36 | Edwin Jackson | R-R | 6’3″ | 210 | Sep 9, 1983 |
56 | Hector Rondon | R-R | 6’3″ | 180 | Feb 26, 1988 |
40 | James Russell | L-L | 6’4″ | 200 | Jan 8, 1986 |
29 | Jeff Samardzija | R-R | 6’5″ | 225 | Jan 23, 1985 |
63 | Brian Schlitter | R-R | 6’5″ | 235 | Dec 21, 1985 |
46 | Pedro Strop | R-R | 6’1″ | 220 | Jun 13, 1985 |
41 | Jose Veras | R-R | 6’6″ | 240 | Oct 20, 1980 |
33 | Carlos Villanueva | R-R | 6’2″ | 215 | Nov 28, 1983 |
37 | Travis Wood | R-L | 5’11” | 175 | Feb 6, 1987 |
53 | Wesley Wright | R-L | 5’11” | 185 | Jan 28, 1985 |
# | Catchers | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB |
12 | John Baker | L-R | 6’1″ | 215 | Jan 20, 1981 |
53 | Welington Castillo | R-R | 5’10” | 210 | Apr 24, 1987 |
# | Infielders | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB |
15 | Darwin Barney | R-R | 5’10” | 185 | Nov 8, 1985 |
64 | Emilio Bonifacio | S-R | 5’11” | 205 | Apr 23, 1985 |
13 | Starlin Castro | R-R | 6’0″ | 190 | Mar 24, 1990 |
30 | Mike Olt | R-R | 6’2″ | 210 | Aug 27, 1988 |
44 | Anthony Rizzo | L-L | 6’3″ | 240 | Aug 8, 1989 |
24 | Luis Valbuena | L-R | 5’10” | 200 | Nov 30, 1985 |
# | Outfielders | B/T | Ht | Wt | DOB |
51 | Ryan Kalish | L-L | 6’0″ | 215 | Mar 28, 1988 |
21 | Junior Lake | R-R | 6’3″ | 215 | Mar 27, 1990 |
20 | Justin Ruggiano | R-R | 6’1″ | 210 | Apr 12, 1982 |
19 | Nate Schierholtz | L-R | 6’2″ | 215 | Feb 15, 1984 |
6 | Ryan Sweeney | L-L | 6’4″ | 225 | Feb 20, 1985 |
OPENING DAY HIGHLIGHTS
Magnetic Schedule Day: All fans in attendance receive Pirates 2014 Magnetic Schedules compliments of PNC Bank.
Gate Time: PNC Park gates will open to ALL FANS at 11 a.m.
Up in the Sky : The professional parachute team “Fastrax,” America’s skydiving team, will fly into PNC Park and land on the field with the American flag and the Jolly Roger prior to today’s Opening Day ceremonies.
2013 Awards Ceremonies: 2013 was a memorable run for the Pittsburgh Pirates and along the way several members of the club picked up individual awards for their personal accomplishments. Today in separate on-field ceremonies these players and manager Clint Hurdle will be recognized by the Pirates and fans at PNC Park.
MVP Cutch: Last season, Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen registered his third consecutive All-Star season and at the end of the 2013 campaign was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player. Today, McCutchen will receive the award in a pregame ceremony that will include former Pirates MVPs Dick Groat (1960 N.L. MVP) and Barry Bonds (Seven time N.L. MVP, two with the Pirates- 1990 and 1992).
Manager-of-the-Year: In 2013, Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle guided his team to a 94-68 record and a berth in the National League Division Series, at the end of the season the Pirates manager was awarded the N.L. Manager-of-the-Year award. Today, Hurdle will be presented the award by former Pirates manager and three-time Manager-of-the-Year, Jim Leyland (N.L. Manager-of-the-Year with the Pirates- 1990 and 1992).
Silver Sluggers: Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez and McCutchen will receive their 2013 Louisville Silver Sluggers in an on-field ceremony prior to the game. The two became the first pair of Pirates sluggers to win the award in the same season since Barry Bonds and Andy Van Slyke won the honor in 1992. The awards will be presented by former Pirates shortstop and 2004 Silver Slugger Jack Wilson. Alvarez will also be presented the 2013 N.L. Home Run plaque. Last season Alvarez tied with Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt for the N.L. home run crown with 36 blasts.
Comeback Player: After a 2013 campaign in which he was 16-8 with a 3.02 ERA, Pirates hurler Francisco Liriano was named the N.L. Comeback Player of the Year. He will be recognized today in a pregame ceremony.
PNC Check Presentation : PNC Bank will present a donation to the City of Pittsburgh Police K-9 Protective Vest Fund. Officer Phil Lerza, whose K-9 partner officer, Rocco, was killed in the line of duty in January, will throw a ceremonial first pitch.
Moment of Silence : Today in a pregame ceremony the Pirates, Cubs and everyone in attendance at PNC Park will observe a moment of silence for members of the Pirates family who have passed away in recent months. Honored with a moment of silence will be Pirates alumni Ralph Kiner, Johnny Logan, Eddie O’Brien and Preston Ward along with Pirates minor leaguer Evan Chambers and long-time Pirates beat writer Charlie Feeney.
Color Guard: Today the colors will be presented by a joint Military Color Guard and joined by members of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police K-9 Unit.
Lineup: Members of the Pirates and Cubs will take part in player introductions on the infield lines.
God Bless America: Today, God Bless America will be performed by Staff Sergeant Charles Stoddard of the U.S. Army’s 316th infantry.
National Anthem : The National Anthem will be performed by Petrina McCutchen, mother of Pirates 2013 N.L. MVP and three-time All-Star Andrew McCutchen.
First Pitch : Scott Kiner, son of Pirates Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
TRAFFIC TIPS
The following parking and traffic information will be helpful to those fans coming to the game, as well as downtown commuters.
- The Roberto Clemente Bridge will close to vehicular traffic beginning at 9 a.m.
- All parking lots and garages on the North Shore are closed to commuter traffic.
- North Shore parking near PNC Park will open at 9 a.m. (with event rates).
The Pirates strongly encourage fans, especially families, to arrive as early as possible as downtown parking and lots close to PNC Park will become filled early on Opening Day. Also fans should allow additional time to enter PNC Park as all guests will be screened with metal detecting wands or be asked to walk through new ballpark upright metal detectors.
In an effort to expedite the screening process, guests are asked to leave all unnecessary metal objects in their vehicles or at home.
FOR DOWNTOWN COMMUTERS AND FANS:
Commuters and fans are encouraged to ride transit the day of the Opener. Fans can utilize the free “T” service offered by the Port Authority from the four Golden Triangle stations, as well as the Allegheny Station outside of Heinz Field, to the North Side Station just outside of PNC Park’s Trib-Total Media Home Plate Gate.
For example, fans can park at the CONSOL Energy Center lots and ride the “T” to the doorstep of PNC Park for free. Also, fans who prefer to park west of Allegheny Avenue, can ride the “T” for free from the Allegheny Station outside of Heinz Field to the North Side Station outside of PNC Park.
FOR FAMILIES:
- CONSOL Energy Center West and South Lots ($7.25) – Enter from Centre Avenue via I-579. Walk two blocks to the Steel Plaza Station and take the free “T” to PNC Park.
- Grant Street Transportation Center (near Convention Center) – Enter via Penn Avenue or 12th Street from the 10th Street bypass. Check for space availability via iPhone (ParkPGH); Mobile(m.parkpgh.org); SMS/Text and Voice (412-423-8980).
- Station Square, Gateway Clipper Shuttle Boats – The Gateway Clipper will take fans directly to PNC Park from this location. Children under turnstile height (30 inches) are free.
- River Avenue Lots
- From I-376, take I-279 (Ft Duquesne Bridge) northbound to Exit 1D (on right) to Chestnut Ramp (on right); then right on Chestnut Street and right at traffic signal.
- From North I-279, take Exit 2B to East Street and East Ohio Street eastbound to Chestnut Street southbound.
- From North Route 28, take River Avenue from 31st Street Bridge exit.
- Carnegie Science Lots – Fans can enter from Casino Drive and ride the free “T” from the Allegheny Station.
- Fulton Avenue Lot – This lot is located on the north side of the West End Bridge. Fans can ride the free “T” from the Allegheny Station.
FOR FANS OVER 21:
- Rivers Casino Garage ($30) – Parking is available in the Rivers Casino Garage. Due to Rivers Casino policy, everyone in the vehicle must be 21 years or older to enter the garage. Fans can ride the free “T” from the Allegheny Station or enjoy the walk to PNC Park via the River Walkway.
SECURITY TIPS
In an effort to further ensure the safety of those entering the ballpark, all guests entering PNC Park will be screened with metal detecting wands or be asked to enter through the new ballpark upright metal detectors. Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early to allow for the increased security measures at PNC Park.
Each guest is permitted to bring one bag into the ballpark. All bags, purses, fanny packs and backpacks 16x16x8-inch or smaller are permitted and subject to search upon entry and within the ballpark. Softsided coolers and soft-sided briefcases are permitted. Hard-sided coolers and briefcases, ice packs and cooler inserts are not permitted. For the convenience of those guests not carrying purses, fanny packs and bags into the ballpark, express lanes are offered at each gate.
Guests are permitted to bring bottled water and food that may fit into a 16x16x8-inch soft-sided bag into the ballpark. Water bottles should not exceed 24 ounces in size, and must be clear, plastic, sealed and disposable. Children’s juice boxes and items necessary for medical purposes are permitted. Alcoholic beverages, carbonated beverages, sports drinks, cans, glass bottles and thermoses are not allowed.
Hazardous or disruptive items cannot be brought into the ballpark. Samples of items that are not permitted include boom boxes, inflatable balls, balloons, frisbee discs, laser pointers, fireworks, footballs and weapons of any kind. The Pirates reserve the right to inspect and remove any packages and/or containers.
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