By Rosemary Garrity

PNC Park was filled to capacity for the Pirates home opener. Baseball fans of all ages were there to cheer for the Pirates on a beautiful sunny afternoon because this was the first day of what is hoped to be a winning season. This year it could happen. The team has the talent, a venue that is one of, if not the best, in the league, and a fan base that is second to none.

One other factor that attracts fan support is that the Pirates also give back to the community. One event, in particular, Pitch for Hope, is especially popular. Last year’s Pitch for Hope, sponsored by the Pirates, was a resounding success.

This year, plans are to not only make this a repeat…but an even better event. The potential is there, because the Pirates are committed and so are the women who attend. For those wondering why this day is so special…read on.

The tentative schedule is about the same as last year. At the 8:30 a.m. registration on June 24 at PNC Park, participants will receive a specially designed T-shirt and a ticket to the Pirates game that afternoon. Women are encouraged to wear casual attire, and for sure, comfortable shoes because they will be on the field, at times, chasing balls. Forget the stilettos. It is expected that several hundred women will start their day with some stretching exercises that may be led by Frank Valasquez, the Pirates head strength and conditioning coach. Then they will be assigned to various instructional stations to learn about hitting, pitching and base running. Pirates coaches will be on hand to teach, coach and encourage the participants. Last year some of the women were shy at first, but with the support of the coaches, as well as the other women in attendance, they performed well. The young and not so young, became fast friends. Some women who were very athletic relished the opportunity to perform. They were also very supportive of the women who were not.

The coaches, including bench coach Jeff Banister, third base coach Nick Leyva, first base coach Luis Silverio, bullpen coach Euclides Rajas and pitching coach, Ray Searage encouraged the women all morning. Outfielder Jose Tabata was also very involved in this teaching process. Pirates manager, Clint Hurdle, is personally invested in this event because his mother is a breast cancer survivor. He joined the Pirates organization in 2010. He is a former Major League outfielder who played for the Kansas City Royals, New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals. After his retirement as a player, he changed his career to managing. Prior to coming to Pittsburgh, he managed the Colorado Rockies for several years, and then had a short stint with the Texas Rangers as the hitting coach. In 2011, Hurdle helped the Pirates reach to new heights when the team was one game out of first place going into the All-Star break.

Hurdle shared the story about his mother with Diana Napper, founder of A Glimmer of Hope Foundation. His mom was diagnosed with breast cancer about twenty years ago, and after completing the mandated series of radiation treatments, she is doing well today. He said, “It was a very emotional time for me and for my family.” This is the reason that Hurdle is supportive of Glimmer’s breast cancer research projects.

It is expected that this year’s event will attract the same ‘mix’ of women, from those who have never been on a baseball field before, to those who may even have played on teams. Others will come as breast cancer survivors or women who simply want to be part of an event that will raise money for breast cancer research. The goal is for everyone to have fun!

After the women complete their infield experience, they will head to The Deck above the Trib Total News Media Hall of Fame Club where they will be treated to lunch. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to bid on several fabulous baskets that will include Pirates items, jewelry and designer sunglasses. In the afternoon, the women are invited to attend the Pirates game. Napper, founder of the Glimmer foundation said, “We are thrilled to have the Pirates organization sponsor this event. So many women are affected by this horrific disease, and any event that helps to fund breast cancer research, is so important. As fans we always judge these athletes by how well they play, but it is the good they do that really makes a difference… especially in Pittsburgh. To order the $55.00 ticket for the event, please call Derek Partsch at 412-325-4724 or DEREK.PARTSCH@PIRATES.COM.

The truth is that breast cancer affects not only the women, but also the entire family. Glimmer has been funding breast cancer research for about twenty years. Monies raised have also been used to purchase equipment for researchers. Proceeds from this event will be donated to Allegheny General Hospital, where Dr. William Poller will help to determine the projects for breast cancer research. Other organizations, like the Treesdale Women’s Golf Organization also support Glimmer. They plan to have the second annual Par-Tee for Hope at the Treesdale Golf and Country Club on June 7. Co-chairs of the event are Jocelyn Thompson and Diane Blakeney. Thompson said, “We support the Glimmer of Hope foundation because of its commitment to finding a cure for breast cancer.” Blakeney added, “We also like the fact that the funds raised, stay in Pittsburgh.”

Thanks in large part to the research that is occurring in the field, women who are diagnosed with breast cancer, now have greater hope of survival. As of 2008, there were about 2.5 million women who have survived breast cancer. Today, the numbers are even higher. In order for the statistics to improve even more, it is necessary for the research to continue. Events like Pitch for Hope help to educate women about breast cancer and also help to support the funding for the research that is necessary so that someday, a cure can be found. To date, Glimmer has donated over 1.5 million dollars locally for breast cancer research. For more information about A Glimmer of Hope, please visit symbolofthecure.com or call 1-800-454-6746.