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Pirates Schedule in Puerto Rico Finally Set

By Jeff Demers

Sep 17, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A logo on the field recognizing September 16h as Roberto Clemente Day in baseball as thePittsburgh Pirates host the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A logo on the field recognizing September 16h as Roberto Clemente Day in baseball as thePittsburgh Pirates host the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Pirates will be bringing MLB back to Puerto Rico for the first time since 2010.

Sep 16, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (L) is presented with the Roberto Clemente award by (left to right) Roberto Clemente Jr. and Vera Clemente and Ricky Clemente and Luis Clemente before the Pirates play the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (L) is presented with the Roberto Clemente award by (left to right) Roberto Clemente Jr. and Vera Clemente and Ricky Clemente and Luis Clemente before the Pirates play the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

The team will be playing games on May 30 and May 31, 2016 versus the Miami Marlins.  It was announced that both games would be at 7:10pm at San Juan’s Hiram Bithorn stadium. The stadium played host to a 2010 New York Mets and Miami Marlins three game series and also famously hosting the Montreal Expos for a total of 44 games in 2003 and 2004.

The MLB will be celebrating Roberto Clemente day on May 31.  So look for throwback uniforms in the Puerto Rico games.  It is also the day the team names their nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award. The award is presented annually to the player that “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team”.

"The Roberto Clemente Award is given annually to the player that “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team”"

Last year’s Roberto Clemente Award winner was Andrew McCutchen.  It was only the second time a Bucs player received the award.  Pirates Outfielder and Clemente teammate, Willie Stargell received the award in 1974.

Clemente, born in Puerto Rico in 1934 was the first Latin American/Caribbean player to make it into the Hall of Fame in 1973.  He died on December 31, 1972 just off the coast of San Juan when his plan crashed en route to Nicaragua where he had planned to deliver earthquake supplies.

Information about how to buy tickets for the 2016 games scheduled in San Juan has not yet been released. The stadium capacity is 18,264 in case Bucs fans are looking for a reason for a nice baseball vacation to Puerto Rico.

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