Steve Blass to Appear for Black Bears Opening Day
Former Pirates All-Star and World Series Legend, Steve Blass to throw ceremonial first pitch at Black Bears Opening DayBy Greg Fike, Black Bears MediaThe Black Bears are thrilled to announce that former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher and World Series Legend, Steve Blass, will throw the Ceremonial First Pitch on Opening Day,
Former Pirates All-Star and World Series Legend, Steve Blass to throw ceremonial first pitch at Black Bears Opening Day
By Greg Fike, Black Bears Media
The Black Bears are thrilled to announce that former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher and World Series Legend, Steve Blass, will throw the Ceremonial First Pitch on Opening Day, Friday, June 14 as West Virginia hosts Mahoning Valley at 7:05 p.m.
To purchase tickets for Opening Day or any game during the 2019 season please call (304) 293-7653 or visit www.westvirginiablackbears.com.
A Pirates legend, Blass was a hero of the Pirates' 1971 World Series victory over the Baltimore Orioles. He threw two complete games during the series (Games 3 and 7) and allowed only two runs. In the clinching Game 7 victory, he pitched a complete game four-hitter as the Pirates won 2-1. He ranks 17th on the Pirates all-time wins list and seventh in strikeouts.
During his 10-year playing career with the team, Blass won 103 games, struck out 896 batters and finished with a 3.63 ERA. Blass stayed in Pittsburgh after his playing days ended, moving to the broadcast booth in 1983 to join Pirates play-by-play announcer Bob Prince for cable television broadcasts. He then joined the Pirates radio broadcast team in 1986.
Blass will be available for autographs near Gate C during the game. In addition to Blass's appearance, fans will enjoy the first of nine spectacular fireworks displays immediately following the game. The first 500 fans through the gate will receive a 2019 Black Bears Magnet Schedule, sponsored by WVU Medicine.