Pirates to Commemorate PNC Park Anniversary with 2026 Opening Pitch
The Pittsburgh Pirates will mark PNC Park’s 25th anniversary during the 2026 home opener. The game against the Baltimore Orioles is scheduled for April 3. Former stars Jason Kendall and Brian Giles will take part in ceremonial opening pitches.
Opening ceremony plans
Pregame events begin with a tribute and special presentations. A flyover of four Blackhawk helicopters is planned. The River City Brass Band will perform the national anthem.
A color guard will participate. There will be a moment of remembrance for Pirates players who died in the past year. Broadcaster Greg Brown will lead a pregame ceremony starting at 3:35 p.m.
Jason Kendall: career highlights
Kendall was the Pirates’ primary catcher from 1996 to 2004. He was the club’s first overall pick in the 1992 MLB Draft out of Torrance High School in California.
- Batting average: .306; OBP: .387; SLG: .418; OPS: .805.
- Total hits: 1,409; doubles/triples: 256/29; home runs: 67.
- RBI: 471; runs scored: 706; walks/strikeouts: 454/403.
Kendall caught 1,252 games for the Pirates, second only to Manny Sanguillen. He was hit by pitches 177 times, the franchise leader. He earned All-Star selections in 1996, 1998, and 2000.
He also hit for the cycle at Three Rivers Stadium on May 19, 2000.
Brian Giles: power and production
Giles arrived in a trade from Cleveland and played for Pittsburgh from 1999 through 2003. He served as the team’s primary power threat during those seasons.
- Batting average: .308; OBP: .426; SLG: .591; OPS: 1.018.
- Total hits: 782; home runs: 165; doubles/triples: 174/26.
- RBI: 506; runs scored: 501; walks/strikeouts: 519/338.
Giles holds the franchise records for highest slugging percentage and OPS. He hit at least 30 home runs in each of five seasons with the Pirates. He was an All-Star in 2000 and 2001 and was later traded to the San Diego Padres in 2003.
Context and celebration
PNC Park opened in 2001, making 2026 its 25th season. The club will commemorate that milestone throughout the home opener. Fans will see former players honored and several ceremonial elements before first pitch.
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