The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that the anticipation of severe weather this weekend has impacted player appearances and caused a change in the schedule for Saturday’s annual fan festival at David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Among the players who canceled appearances at PiratesFest because of travel concerns are three new acquisitions — two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe, All-Star first baseman/designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn and outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia — as well as catcher Joey Bart, outfielder Bryan Reynolds and closer Dennis Santana.
It was previously revealed that two-time All-Star right-hander Paul Skenes will miss the event to accept his National League Cy Young Award in New York. Starting pitchers Mitch Keller and Bubba Chandler and baseball’s No. 1 prospect, 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin, also will not attend.
The one-day event will conclude at 5 p.m. Saturday, an hour earlier than planned. Autograph sessions will still take place as planned, with updates on new participants to be announced, but the absence of the aforementioned players has caused the Pirates to refund all donations.
“These decisions were made after consultation with trusted area weather services, and with an emphasis on using an abundance of caution,” the Pirates said in a statement. “We understand this is disappointing to many of our fans attending on Saturday, especially those planning to see certain players, but the safety and well-being of everyone involved is our top priority, and these decisions were made with that in mind. The Pirates encourage all fans traveling to Pittsburgh from throughout the region to please monitor their weather apps and to travel safely.
“For those fans still able to attend PiratesFest, we look forward to hosting you and celebrating Pirates baseball.”
