Pittsburgh’s city leaders, and representatives in the state government, are both discussing the possibility of bringing the 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star game to Pittsburgh.
This development comes after MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced Friday that the league will not host the 2021 All-Star game in Atlanta, in response to Georgia’s recent passing of a law that has civil rights groups concerned about its potential to restrict voting access for people of color.
"Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views," Manfred said in his statement. "I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year's All-Star Game and MLB Draft.
"Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box. In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States. We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game's unwavering support."
From our news partners at WPXI, city leadership is exploring if the Pirates could play host instead.
“We believe this could be a win for our hospitality industry and also highlight Pittsburgh and Allegheny county’s commitment to voter protection,” chief of staff Dan Gilman said.
State senators Jay Costa Jr. and Wayne D. Fontana released a joint statement to the league, citing “unfettered access for our citizens to the ballot box.”
The @MLB decision to stand against voter suppression & moving the All Star Game from Georgia is the right one.
— Senator Jay Costa (@Senatorcosta) April 2, 2021
Here, PA offers unbridled access to the ballot box for our citizens, so Senator @WayneDFontana & I would like to invite baseball fans to Pittsburgh for the 2021 game. pic.twitter.com/F0Hkl2m3AY
At the moment, there is no indication from the league that the game could come to Pittsburgh. Per ESPN reporter Alden Gonzalez, the 2022 All-Star game will remain in Los Angeles, so the league will not just move up its commitments a year.
The Pirates last hosted the All-Star game in 2006. They have hosted the game five times, including twice at Forbes Field in 1944 and 1959, and at Three Rivers Stadium in 1974 and 1994.
The city that hosts the All-Star game will also host the amateur draft. Festivities and the draft are scheduled for July 11-13, with the game occurring on July 13. The Pirates hold the first overall pick in this year’s draft.
