Pirates and FedEx Ground announce agreement

The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced a new agreement for the 2014 season with Pittsburgh-based FedEx Ground, a leader in cost-effective, small-package ground shipping in the U.S. and Canada. 

"As a hometown organization with proud Pittsburgh employees, FedEx Ground is thrilled to build on our relationship with the Pirates organization and is looking forward to an exciting baseball season," said FedEx Ground Vice President of Communications Angela Wheland.

As part of the new agreement, the shipping company will be the title sponsor of the Friday, September 19, Free Shirt Friday. On that night, the first 25,000 fans who enter PNC Park will receive a free Pirates tee courtesy of FedEx Ground.

Throughout 2014, FedEx Ground will also introduce the "Stolen Base" program, a community initiative to support the Miracle League of South Hills.

As part of the "Stolen Base" program, for every Pirates stolen base during the 2014 season, FedEx Ground will make a $200 donation to the Miracle League of the South Hills. The program supports a great cause and showcases that FedEx Ground is faster than the competition.  

In 2012, Pirates Charities partnered with former Pirates first baseman Sean Casey and Casey's Clubhouse in the construction and opening of the Pirates Charities Miracle League Field of the South Hills in Upper St. Clair, Pa. The "Stolen Base" program will help fund a Pittsburgh-themed playground adjacent to the field.

The agreement also features FedEx Ground on signage throughout PNC Park and on all radio broadcasts on the 38-station Pirates Radio Network.