NewsForbes 100: Bucs celebrate anniversary
Pittsburgh (35-41) vs. Chicago (36-37), 7:05 p.m. ET
By Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com
06/29/09 10:20 PM ET
PITTSBURGH -- After opening Forbes Field 100 years before, the Pirates and Cubs fittingly meet -- at PNC Park this time -- on Tuesday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the storied Pittsburgh ballpark. Forbes Field, which was built off a $1 million gift from owner and now Hall of Famer Barney Dreyfuss, served as the Pirates' home from June 30, 1909, until June 28, 1970. And though it was demolished some 37 years ago, it remains an icon of the city's history. Yes, it housed the Pirates for over 60 years, but Forbes Field was much more than just a baseball stadium in Pittsburgh. The NFL's Steelers called it home for 30 years, beginning in 1933, and the University of Pittsburgh football team played its games there from 1909-24. Boxing events, circuses and concerts were also held on its grounds. Still, it's the baseball memories that remain among Forbes Field's finest. The greatest came on Oct. 13, 1960, and continues to live on where the stadium once stood. Bill Mazeroski's homer off Yankees pitcher Ralph Terry at Forbes Field in the ninth inning of the '60 World Series sealed the Pirates' third championship and remains the only walk-off homer in a World Series Game 7. The section of the wall over which Mazeroski's home run sailed remains intact at its precise location, now just on the edge of the University of Pittsburgh campus. Fans congregate at the wall every year on Oct. 13 to listen to the radio broadcast of the game. Forbes Field played host to three other World Series (1909, 1925 and 1927) and two All-Star Games (1944 and 1959). Babe Ruth hit the final three home runs of his career there. Baseball's last tripleheader was played there in 1920. And one of Pittsburgh's two Negro League teams -- the Homestead Grays -- played all their home games at the ballpark during an 18-year span. The Pirates plan to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Forbes Field on Tuesday, with the attendance of 13 former Pirates that once called it home. Those scheduled to attend the pregame ceremonies include: Steve Blass, El Roy Face, Bob Friend, Dick Groat, Mazeroski, Manny Sanguillen, Frank Thomas, Don Schwall, Bob Robertson, Nellie King, Dave Giusti, Hank Foiles and Bobby Del Greco. Additionally, the Pirates will also honor former staff members that worked at the old ballpark. During the game, the top Forbes Field moment will be revealed, and the club is also offering a number of $4 tickets, which was the price of a box seat during the Pirates' final season at Forbes Field. Fittingly, that last game played at Forbes Field, like the first, was against the Cubs. Pitching matchupPIT: RHP Ross Ohlendorf (6-6, 4.75 ERA)
Ohlendorf got a no-decision in his last start, when he pitched seven innings and surrendered two runs on five hits. It was his longest outing since he threw 7 2/3 innings on May 23. Ohlendorf has lost three of his past four decisions. Despite playing in the same division as the Cubs, the right-hander hasn't faced them in his career. Ohlendorf is 4-2 at home this season. CHC: LHP Ted Lilly (7-5, 3.41 ERA)
Lilly gave up a season high in hits and runs in his last start, against the Tigers, serving up six runs on 10 hits over six innings. The 10 hits Lilly allowed matched his career high -- or low, depending on how you look at it. He was glad to see Interleague Play end. Lilly was 0-1 with two no-decisions against American League teams and has not faced the Pirates yet this season. Bucs bits
Top prospect Pedro Alvarez will miss only a few days after suffering a minor right knee injury in Sunday's Double-A Altoona game. Alvarez, who has been diagnosed with tendinitis in that knee, hurt his knee while trying to avoid hitting a teammate as the two converged to catch a foul popout. ... Though Brandon Moss is getting props for his recent offensive turnaround, not much has been mentioned about his play in the outfield. Quietly, Moss has accumulated seven outfield assists this season, a total that trails only Washington's Elijah Dukes and Cincinnati's Jay Bruce. ... PGA Tour golfer and Pittsburgh-area native Rocco Mediate was recognized before Monday's game. His son, Nicco, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Tickets
Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.
On the Internet
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Gameday Audio• Gameday
• Official game notes On television
• FSN On radio
• WPGB-FM 104.7 Up next
• Wednesday: Pirates (Virgil Vasquez, 1-0, 3.00) vs. Cubs (Randy Wells, 2-3, 2.57), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Thursday: Pirates (Paul Maholm, 5-4, 4.35) vs. Mets (Tim Redding, 1-3, 6.35), 12:35 p.m. ET
• Friday: Pirates (Charlie Morton, 0-1, 4.09) at Marlins (Chris Volstad, 5-7, 4.63), 6:10 p.m. ET
Jenifer Langosch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
