McKechnie Field, the Pirates’ Spring Home, Welcomes Fans

By Joe Bullick

As the March winds blow here in Pittsburgh, the Pirates begin their spring training schedule on March 1, at home against the Cincinnati Reds, marking the Pirates’ 39th consecutive spring training in Bradenton, Florida.  Home games are played at McKechnie Field, which is named after native and former Bradenton resident and Hall of Fame Manager Bill McKechnie.  The facility opened in 1923 and was renovated in 1993, making it one of baseball’s finest facilities.  Surrounded by palm trees, the field’s architecture is 1920s Spanish Mission style, using masonry, stucco and structural steel.  During the renovations, the field was moved back from the street in order to create a public plaza and walkway around the facility. 

People who spend their winters in the small city of Bradenton enjoy exploring historic attractions, fishing, golf, shopping and seeing the Pirates.

Spring training originated around the same time as baseball.  The first recorded spring training event occurred in 1870, when the Cincinnati Red Stockings and the Chicago White Stockings held camps in New Orleans.  However, some believe the first spring training didn’t take place until the Washington Capitals held a four-day training camp in Jacksonville in 1888. 

During baseball’s early years from 1901 to 1942, many teams trained locally or while they were on the road because often players had to work other jobs to support their families and could not travel out of town.

In 1910 when spring training became an institution, most teams went east of the Mississippi River.  This was when the Grapefruit League was founded.  Baseball carried on during World War II; however, traveling became difficult.  Many teams trained close to home.

In 1947 the Cactus League was formed.  Twelve teams constitute the Cactus League, and it was during this time that spring training became a money-making venture. 

McKechnie Field’s capacity is 6,602.  Ticket prices vary depending upon whom the Pirate’s are playing and range from $9 to $15.

The Bucs, with warm spring breezes, invite you to spring training to hear the familiar, “Play Ball” and Take Me Out to the Ball Game at sunny McKechnie Field.

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Joe welcomes any ideas, suggestions or interesting stories.
Email him at northcon@nauticom.net. Please put "Town Crier" in the subject line of your email.

To contact Joe to schedule an appointment to tour his museum at McKnight Elementary School, call the Northern Connection office at (724) 940-2444 or email northcon@nauticom.net. Please put "Museum Tour" in the subject line.

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