Pirates to honor inaugural Hall of Fame class before Sept. 3 game against Blue Jays

The Pittsburgh Pirates will honor their inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame class with a special induction ceremony on Sept. 3 at PNC Park’s Riverwalk and before their game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Pirates chairman Bob Nutting indicated that the inaugural class, which will be announced in early August, could include players from the Negro Leagues.

“The Pirates have been a part of our way of life in Pittsburgh for more than 135 years. During that time, generations of baseball fans have cheered on some of the greatest players and celebrated some of the most historic moments our sport has ever seen,” Nutting said in a statement. “We are excited to highlight the accomplishments of these great players from the Pirates, Pittsburgh Crawfords and Homestead Grays, along with the impact they have had on baseball and our lives.”

Nutting called the formal induction of the Pirates Hall of Fame class “long-time coming,” not only to celebrate the club’s rich history but because it was delayed by the covid-19 pandemic.

“Now that we can once again gather together at the ballpark,” Nutting said, “we have set September 3 to properly celebrate this moment with members of our inaugural class, their families and our fans.”