Technically it stems from a conversation involving Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting and Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor, before the latter took office.
But really, the program that launched Wednesday at Herschel Field in Elliott has been decades in the making thanks to Pirates Charities’ Fields for Kids initiative and a desire for all kids to have a safe place to play baseball.
The kicker is the collaboration required to improve 20 fields throughout the city, the Pirates and city government working alongside local union leaders and community partners toward a common goal: making a deeper impact centered around baseball and softball.
Pirates Charities will provide $300,000 and $15,000 per field or site. The Pennsylvania Laborers District Council will match that amount to improve scoreboards at youth sports facilities around Pittsburgh.
The sum total means a major victory for younger baseball and softball players — plus their families — within city limits.
"One thing I've learned over many years of supporting baseball fields and youth baseball is great programs are built by a broad base of committed local partners to keep fields maintained, supported and active throughout the year," Nutting said.
"Corey and I have talked many times about how the Pirates and Pirates Charities can have a more active and important role in supporting the baseball fields, communities and kids inside the city. This partnership grew out of those discussions. I strongly believe it’s just the beginning of what we’ll be able to do working together."
The effort expands Pirates Charities’ long-running Fields for Kids initiative, which started in 2009 and has impacted tens of thousands of kids by distributing over 500 individual grants to the greater Pittsburgh region, plus nearly 50 in Bradenton, Fla., the Pirates’ Spring Training home.
It also builds on the Pirates' robust RBI (Revising Baseball in Inner Cities) work that includes 100 teams from 29 communities serving more than 2,000 kids with around 200 volunteer coaches. This is almost the facilities end of that level of support.
Upgrades at each site will focus on things like playing surfaces, drainage, equipment and durability, professionally addressing challenges that often fall on volunteers and local organizations.
One example O'Connor cited was better field-grading technology, the same as PNC Park, along with tarps to reduce the number of rainouts on local fields. But in reality, the scope of the work will involve whatever necessary to keep the fields safe and playable and ensure they're at the center of the community.
“We have to start competing,” O’Connor said. “If we want Pittsburgh to be every family’s first choice, it comes down to details and supporting places that we see each and every day so families want to stay in our city and grow.
“Fields are the lifeblood of a lot of our neighborhoods. I think this is a huge day for everyone in the city.”
Along with field improvements and upkeep, City Parks staff will receive ongoing training for best practices, supporting improved safety, consistency and day-to-day playability for athletes and their families.
“For nearly two decades, the Pirates Charities Fields for Kids program has been an important part of what we do,” Nutting said. “It reflects something we believe deeply: Every child deserves a safe, reliable place to play and be part of a team.”
That’s certainly something Bessy Miller has experienced personally while living across the street from Herschel Field.
Miller was at the event representing the West End Athletic Association and said she’s seen the positive impact a place like Herschel Field can have on kids.
That’s why she was so grateful for the contributions from Pirates Charities and the Pennsylvania Laborers District Council.
“Upgrading the field isn’t just about better equipment or the facilities,” Miller said. “It’s about giving our athletes a safer, more welcoming place where everyone can feel proud to be part of something bigger.
“These upgrades will bring even more people, including people who have wheelchairs and walkers and make it truly an inclusive place.”
As Nutting, O’Connor and others spoke, there was a gigantic puddle near third base. Fences and benches around the facility were decades old.
This summer, that will change thanks to Pirates Charities, city government, the Pennsylvania Laborers District Council and several community leaders.
“I could not think of a better place to kick off such a wonderful event,” said Kim Salinetro, who represents District 2 (Elliott and other areas) on the Pittsburgh City Council. “Very pleased this will happen for the West End and the City of Pittsburgh.
“It’s a win-win for everybody … but especially our children.”
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@Pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH.