Pirates pay tribute to World Series hero Bill Mazeroski at PNC Park opener

The Pittsburgh Pirates and their fans are excited about the future as the team opens its 2026 MLB home schedule. The Friday, April 3, game against the Baltimore Orioles features the debut of top prospect Konnor Griffin, a 19-year-old shortstop. Plus, the Pirates have high hopes about a team that features NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes and several free-agent additions.

Pittsburgh has its sights set firmly on the franchise’s first winning season since 2018 and first playoff berth since 2015. MORE: Pirates owner breaks silence on Konnor Griffin $140 million extension report But the Pirates are making a few well-deserved nods to the past at PNC Park. Per Tribune-Review beat reporter Kevin Gorman , Pittsburgh stenciled “Maz” into the outfield grass for the home opener.

The gesture honors 1960 World Series hero and legendary Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski, who died on February 20, 2026. Also, the Pirates will unveil a uniform patch to honor Mazeroski, who is a Hall of Famer. An on-field ceremony before the game will celebrate the lives and careers of Mazeroski, Elroy Face and Dave Giusti, all of whom passed away in 2026, according to MLB.

com . “I thought that was a really nice touch,” said Bill Mazeroski’s son, Darren Mazeroski, an area scouting supervisor with the Pirates. “I knew they were going to [wear patches].