PHOTOS: Pirates Host Online Media Night at PNC Park

The Pittsburgh Pirates

have had some great first innings this year.  The condensed version happened tonight, when Alex Presley ripped Lance Lynn’s second pitch to center field.  Skip Schumaker’s first start of 2012 lasted just two pitches.  He slammed against the wall and Presley scored with ease.  (Can’t wait to see if it’s the slowest inside-the-park homer on ‘tater tracker’)

After Jose Tabata singled, we thought the Bucs might crack it open.  But, unfortunately, that wasn’t the case on this night.

Regarding Tabata… when we were in DC for the Nats Luncheon, we spoke to the B45 rep .   He mentioned that Tabata has switched to their bat.  It’s interesting, because the B45 bat is made from Yellow Birch that has some benefits that might help the young outfielder.

The bat is the same one that the white hot Josh Willingham is using this year.   You know – the guy with five bombs and a 14-game hitting streak.

The game sucked.  You already know that, though.

But we did get some pictures from what we trust is not the last of social media night at PNC Park this season.  Kevin from Pirates Prospects had his usual entourage, but this time it included a personal photographer.   He is rolling.

John from Slew Footers was on hand as well, and it was cool to hang out with him. John is headed to Happy Valley for the Blue White game today.

A special thanks to Terry Rodgers who put together the event.  Rodgers is a Pittsburgh native who was hired from the St. Louis Cardinals organization. and who has done an excellent job in his role thus far with the Pirates.

Also thanks to Jim Popovich who, as always, ensured everyone was well taken care of in the suite.  We were able to enjoy the Pirates and Cardinals batting practice.  Frank Coonelly stopped by (as he always does) and spoke for several minutes, answering everyone’s questions on the field.

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Clint Barmes was awful tonight.  It sucks, because he couldn’t have been nicer on the field.  He was the first to say hello when we made eye contact.  What can you do?  Maybe he should be an asshole.

But would you say Barmes is a worse option than the man beside us on the suite level?  It had to be him right?  Nobody would consciously buy a Brian Bixler jersey… or would they?

AJ Burnett was on hand, too, and jumped into the dugout to sign autographs. The kids were participating in a new Pirates group offering. Call the ticket office and ask for Kyle to book Dugout Buddies for your kids. From what we saw, it was awesome. It would be a lifetime memory for kids who love baseball. I would have lost my mind if this existed when I was young. Damn.

I am witness. Pedro kills in BP.

Mr. MVP. Wonder how different the Cards season would have been if they would have given up on David?

Without question, these fans were the coolest of the night. When Jose Tabata came out to right field to start the game, the fans gave a standing o. Love it.