OT: Confirmed Cards/Pirates @ Bowman Field 8-20-17...no tix for public sale...

[MtNittany]

It's official: the Pirates are moving an August home game about 200 miles to the northeast.

Major League Baseball announced the “MLB Little League Classic” Thursday morning, scheduled for Aug. 20 for BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pa., during the annual Little League World Series. The Pirates will “host” the St. Louis Cardinals in an ESPN-televised “Sunday Night Baseball” game.

Word of the game had leaked earlier this week.

“We could not be more excited to play in Williamsport in front of thousands of enthusiastic Little League players and their families,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a prepared statement. “It is sure to be a rewarding experience for our players and staff, and I am sure it will bring back many fond memories of playing youth baseball. This game speaks to the commissioner's commitment to the growth of the game and our collective outreach to the next generation of baseball players and fans.”

Fans with tickets to the Aug. 20 game will not be able to use them in Williamsport. They have two options: requesting a full refund via email (ticketservices@pirates.com) by March 31, or an “exchange option” in which tickets can be acquired to any other “Black or White”-designated Pirates home game in addition to the value of the tickets purchased in PNC Park food/beverage credit.

Little League International is based in Williamsport; BB&T Ballpark is the home field for the Class A Williamsport Crosscutters, a former affiliate of the Pirates (relievers Tony Watson and Jared Hughes began their professional careers in Williamsport).

Early in the day, Pirates and Cardinals players will attend Little League games, and the Littler Leaguers will be in the crowd at the major-league game that evening.

“The ‘MLB Little League Classic' exemplifies our entire sport's commitment to building a stronger connection between young people and the national pastime,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Our players will honor the great tradition of the Little League World Series and create lifelong memories for the Little Leaguers, their families and the city of Williamsport.”

No current Pirates played in the Little League World Series; two Cardinals (Lance Lynn and Randal Grichuk) have.

As part of the announcement, the Pirates noted that the Aug. 19 game at PNC Park with Cardinals was pushed up to start at 4:05 p.m. to help account for the travel.

 

[NittPicker]

That'll be a cool event and something memorable for the little leaguers.

 

[MtNittany]

That'll be a cool event and something memorable for the little leaguers.

I wonder where the teams could possibly stay that week. Wherever it is, it isn't going to be up to their usual digs.

 

[Ephrata Lion]

I wonder where the teams could possibly stay that week. Wherever it is, it isn't going to be up to their usual digs.

Don't think they are staying anywhere. According to this article, the Pirates aren't leaving for Williamsport until Sunday morning. Probably head back to Pittsburgh right after the game.





http://www.altoonamirror.com/sports...onfirms-pirates-vs-cardinals-in-williamsport/

 

[AldenT]

Don't think they are staying anywhere. According to this article, the Pirates aren't leaving for Williamsport until Sunday morning. Probably head back to Pittsburgh right after the game.





http://www.altoonamirror.com/sports...onfirms-pirates-vs-cardinals-in-williamsport/

Bump.

So I have it on good authority that MLB/ESPN is pushing out the hardworking local and everyday staff of the Crosscutters in favor of national/team guys. Absolutely no reason why the people who work their butts off everyday in the bush leagues can't enjoy this reward and moment in the sun. Way to go corporate a-holes at MLB and ESPN, screwing over the little guy again.

 

[sluggo72]

I wonder where the teams could possibly stay that week. Wherever it is, it isn't going to be up to their usual digs.

I've stayed at the Williamsport Y, Perhaps they will stay there.

 

[meanmiJ01]

Going to be a public lottery for tickets now. A lot of locals are rejoicing. Still will only probably be 500 tickets for the public.

 

[Creek Side]

3 million dollars worth of improvements to the complex. New field, new dugouts, and tons of upgrades. I've seen some prints on what they've done and are doing for the Cards and Bucko's game... it's impressive for that old field. This will make future trips even more enjoyable. I have some business to take care of there this coming week, so I'll get to see it first hand, and I'm actually quite excited about it.

 

[Creek Side]

I wonder where the teams could possibly stay that week. Wherever it is, it isn't going to be up to their usual digs.

Well if they would stay in town, and since it's during Little League, all the hotels will be packed. ESPN stays in the Holiday Inn Express, so rooms are already booked out for that place. All the new gas boom Hotels down town I'm sure would be suitable and meet their needs, but definitely not 5 star hotels.

 

[MtNittany]

Well if they would stay in town, and since it's during Little League, all the hotels will be packed. ESPN stays in the Holiday Inn Express, so rooms are already booked out for that place. All the new gas boom Hotels down town I'm sure would be suitable and meet their needs, but definitely not 5 star hotels.

I think it has since been determined that both teams are just in and out on buses w/ no stay overs in the Port.

 

[AldenT]

3 million dollars worth of improvements to the complex. New field, new dugouts, and tons of upgrades. I've seen some prints on what they've done and are doing for the Cards and Bucko's game... it's impressive for that old field. This will make future trips even more enjoyable. I have some business to take care of there this coming week, so I'll get to see it first hand, and I'm actually quite excited about it.

It is astounding what they've done to the field. The dugouts are enormous. The stands I'm not so sure it's an improvement, even though it's new. But what do I know.