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Brian Giles and Jason Kendall talk PNC Park return, time with Pirates and more
CINCINNATI — Brian Giles remembers seeing PNC Park for the first time prior to an exhibition series against the Mets, amazed by its beauty. Jason Kendall recalls the emotion he felt early in the morning on April 9, 2001, upon learning that Willie Stargell had died.
Both couldn’t believe it had been 25 years since the most beautiful ballpark in Major League Baseball first opened its doors.
Giles and Kendall will be back on Friday for the Pirates’ home opener, teaming up for a ceremonial first pitch before the Pirates host the Orioles at 4:12 p.m.
Neither has been to Pittsburgh since retiring as players but both follow the Pirates quite a bit. One of Kendall’s sons (Kuyper) pitches for Washburn University, an NCAA Division II school in Topeka, Kan., and the former catcher said he watched Sunday’s game against the Mets on his phone while sitting in the stands.
Pirates Celebrating PNC Park Anniversary With First Pitch of 2026
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates are celebrating a milestone with their ballpark and will make sure to have some of the first stars there as a part of the festivities.
The Pirates will have both former catcher Jason Kendall and outfielder Brian Giles as the two people who will throw out the first pitch at the home opener vs. the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on April 3.
Kendall and Giles were a big part of the Pirates in the early part of the 21st century, which coincided with the opening of PNC Park in 2001, which the team is celebrating the 25th anniversary of this season.
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Jason Kendall, Brian Giles threw the first pitch at Pirates’ home opener
Pittsburgh Pirates greats and former teammates Jason Kendall and Brian Giles were met with a standing ovation as they threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the 2026 home opener against the Baltimore Orioles at 4:12 p.m. Friday.
A former first-round draft pick by Pittsburgh, Kendall was a three-time All-Star catcher during his nine seasons there from 1996 to 2004. Giles, one of the most accomplished hitters in club history, played in the ‘Burgh from 1999 until 2003. Both men are heralded as legends who helped define the early era of PNC Park.
Pirates greats and former teammates Jason Kendall and Brian Giles were met with a standing ovation as they threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the 2026 home opener against the Baltimore Orioles. @TribLIVE @mgswift7 pic.twitter.com/a2YESxdT57
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