Back in 2008, the Pittsburgh Pirates organization established the Pirates Community Commitment Program (PCCP). This organization-wide development program promotes the Pirates’ dedication to community service, an important aspect of being a Pirate and wearing the Pirates uniform.
A key part of the Pirates' developmental curriculum for all players is ensuring they have a deep understanding of the importance of community involvement. Through the program, players gain an increased awareness of their position within the community and how they are viewed as role models and leaders, while participating in community service projects throughout the season.
“The spirit of [Roberto] Clemente provides a beacon for all of us in terms of the opportunity we have to serve,” Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said. “Our players take this seriously. It’s not only the right and just thing to do but also fits perfectly in a holistic development model, one in which we hope all of our players grow as players and as people, making a positive impact on the game and our communities.”
Each season, players are encouraged to participate in both team-led community opportunities and opportunities they seek out on their own. This year’s PCCP awardees were recognized during the final homestand of the 2023 season at PNC Park.
Indianapolis Indians Awardee: Josh Bissonette
Despite not being an everyday player for the Indians, Josh Bissonette is always one of the first players to volunteer and catch ceremonial first pitches. With this, he greets every fan with a smile to ensure they have a positive first-pitch experience.
In each of the last two years, the second baseman has participated in hour-long Q&A sessions with students at Victory Field in Indianapolis. After students learn about the player's baseball background, the Q&A session becomes an open forum with a variety of questions asked by the students, mostly regarding the player's personal hobbies and interests off the field. When the Q&A session is complete, many students seek autographs and/or photos with the player, and Bissonette kindly sticks around after to engage with them.
Bissonette was part of the first post-pandemic group of Indians players to visit and participate in an Indy Thunder Beep Ball practice for the visually impaired. He learned how the Thunder play baseball with a Beep Ball and engaged with the players by wearing a blindfold while at the plate and running the bases.
Altoona Curve Awardee: Brad Case
Brad Case truly understands the importance of getting involved in the community surrounding him.
When Case was with the Altoona Curve, he was consistently the first person to sign up for every single community event. Beyond that, if events had low participation, Case would make sure there were always enough players there by personally asking guys to come.
When interacting with the Altoona community, the right-handed pitcher was never just passively there. He always introduces himself to everyone he meets, chats and has fun with the kids, signs autographs and so much more.
Greensboro Grasshoppers Awardee: Cy Nielson
Cy Nielson stands out as the Greensboro Grasshoppers community champion due to his outstanding mentorship and guidance during the Joe West Youth Baseball camp and the Grasshoppers youth baseball camp. Nielson went above and beyond to teach fundamental baseball skills, instilling discipline, teamwork and a love for the sport to the kids.
The left-handed pitcher served as a positive role model for the young participants in these camps. His dedication to the game, sportsmanship, and respect for others set a shining example, not just for baseball skills but also for life lessons that extend far beyond the baseball diamond.
Nielson’s commitment to inclusivity was commendable as he ensured that kids of all skill levels and backgrounds felt welcome and encouraged them to participate
Bradenton Marauders: Derek Diamond
Derek Diamond of the Bradenton Marauders is so passionate about the community and is always excited to be at any community event he gets the chance to attend.
Diamond has an amazing attitude and is always eager to participate in every event the Marauders host. He went above and beyond to engage with the community and always had a smile on his face when doing so.
The right-handed pitcher attended six events with the Marauders which included the Street Clean Up, Miracle League Clinic, Humane Society Visit, Baseball Camp, First Responders Lunch and the Boys & Girls Club All-Star Game.
Florida Complex League: Eliecer Romero
Eliecer Romero of the Florida Complex League has a willingness to serve those around him that never goes unnoticed. Between his empathy when giving back to others and his enthusiasm to be a part of community service projects, Romero can often be found helping out in the community when he’s not training on the baseball field.
The right-handed pitcher’s love for the community comes out when giving back. At any project or event down in the Sunshine State, Romero takes the time to make connections with those around him to make sure his impact will last a lifetime.