YOUTH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL

The Pirates are committed to growing the games of baseball and softball in our region and providing the resources necessary to ensure all kids who want to play have access to these great games. Through various community engagement programs, grant opportunities and unique events, the Pirates aim to inspire the next generation of fans and athletes in our region and around the world.

FIELDS FOR KIDS

The Pirates Charities Fields for Kids program presented by Highmark partners with organizations operating youth baseball and/or softball programs to ensure youth athletes have safe places to play.

Since its inception in 2009, the Pirates Charities Fields for Kids Program has distributed 425 individual grants in the greater Pittsburgh region and since 2011, 46 grants in the Pirates Spring Training home of Bradenton, Florida.

MIRACLE LEAGUE SUPPORT

For more than 15 years, Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting and Pirates Charities has been proud to support Miracle League programs in the greater Pittsburgh region and Manatee County, Florida by providing athletes with unique abilities the opportunity to play the sport they love. Over the years, Pirates Charities has partnered with numerous Miracle Leagues to increase accessibility for the game and allow every all-star to play.

HIGHLIGHTS

Equipment Drop Off With David Bednar
Pirates pitcher David Bednar, alongside the Pirate Parrot, surprised first graders at Mars Primary School on April 27 with baseball equipment, donated by Pirates Charities, for their PE classes to help ensure the students have the chance to play the game of baseball.
Full story
Youth Baseball Softball Day at PNC Park
On August 21, the Pirates hosted their second Youth Baseball and Softball Day to celebrate local youth athletes and coaches from our region. More than 2,000 kids and coaches enjoyed the special opportunity to participate as a team in an on-field, pregame parade ahead of the Pirates vs. Reds game. In addition, the Pirates recognized 14 local high school baseball and softball teams from our region who were crowned 2022 WPIAL or PIAA champions during a special pregame ceremony. The Pirates are proud to celebrate the growth of baseball and softball here in our region and thank all of our area coaches and parents who champion giving their kids the chance the play.
Pirates at the PONY World Series
The Pirates were proud to once again support this year's PONY League World Series, held annually in Washington, PA, which brings teams in from all over the world to compete for the PONY League title. This year teams from Chinese-Taipei, London, Mexico and Puerto Rico battled teams from the four regions of the US in a series of competitive games over the course of six days, with Chinese-Taipei emerging as the 2022 Champions. The Pirates hosted "Pirates Night" at Lew Hays PONY Field on Friday, August 12, treating all fans to Pirates goodies, visits from the Pirate Parrot and Pierogies and in-game entertainment lead by Pirates in-game host Joe Klimchak. The Pirates also hosted various PONY World Series teams at the Pirates vs. Red Sox series, providing free tickets to the players and coaches to visit PNC Park while they were in town. For some, it was their first-ever Major League ballgame, providing lasting memories for these young athletes.

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Pirates Nike RBI

Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) is an MLB program aimed at increasing participation and interest in baseball and softball among underserved youth. This program is executed in partnership with CitiSports.

Jr. Pirates Program

Introducing the game of baseball to our youngest athletes through a fun and approachable program, in partnership with CitiSports.

Pirates Training Centers

In May of 2023, the Pirates and EL1 Sports formalized a partnership to support the expansion of high-quality instruction for baseball and softball players of all skill levels and backgrounds as a way to help develop local talent in the Pittsburgh area.

Pirates Diamond Kinetics Partnership

The Pirates are proud to partner with Diamond Kinetics to further increase access and the love of the game to all youth baseball and softball players. Through instructional content and Pirates themed interactive mini-games, youth athletes can engage with their Buccos like never before in the FREE DK App.