On Monday, May 13, the Pirates will partner with Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) to host a field maintenance educational clinic at PNC Park for area school districts, municipalities and youth baseball and softball organizations. The one-of-a-kind educational clinic will be led by members of the PNC Park Grounds Crew for preregistered attendees and will feature information on field preparation and maintenance.

Local athletic directors, coaches, volunteers as well as local government representatives are invited to take part in the morning event that begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 11:30 a.m.

The PNC Park grounds crew, led by the Pirates Director of Field Operations Matt Brown, will assist at four stations on the field and will include instruction on:

• Infield upkeep
• Outfield grass maintenance
• Bullpen and mound upkeep
• Equipment maintenance

Registration for the Monday, May 13 event is now open and interested participants are asked to register via email by sending their name and organization to [email protected].

BTF is a joint initiative between Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). The fund awards grants to organizations involved in the operation of youth baseball and softball programs and facilities. In 2012, BTF launched the Field Maintenance Education Program, which provides the opportunity for MLB groundskeepers to share tips and techniques with others who are involved in the maintenance of youth baseball and softball fields. In conjunction with the clinics, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund awards a $10,000 grant to a local organization selected by the participating Club. The grant funds are used for the purchase of field maintenance supplies, equipment or services.