The Pirates announced the launch of its “Long Live the Legacy” program Wednesday, a community relations initiative promoting the history and legacy of the Negro Leagues and its players.
The program had been a traveling, in-person presentation for local schools in the past, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be virtual this year.
The 45-minute presentation -- which is designed for children ages 10 and up -- is meant to educate on the history of Negro League baseball, its ties to Pittsburgh -- including that it was the only city to have two Negro League teams, the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords -- and the impact it had and still has on the game today.
“Pittsburgh has a very important place in Negro League history as our city was home to two of the league’s most successful franchises and some of the greatest players to ever play the game,” Pirates president Travis Williams said. “We are proud to offer this unique and informative educational program throughout Black History Month as a way to help connect our community to our historic baseball past.”
Additionally, throughout the month of February, the Pirates will host virtual listening sessions with members of the organization and the black community. The Pirates will also continue their “Building Bridges” interview series, which will include guests Anthony Alford, director of professional scouting Steve Williams and executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation Sean Gibson.
Those who wish to take part in the Pirates’ virtual programs can register by following this link.