Pittsburgh Pirates Raise $76,103

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that the Pirates front office staff, players and fans raised $76,103 for the Fallen Heroes Fund during the Home Opener and through an online auction on Pirates.com. All the funds raised will be donated to assist the families left behind by fallen Pittsburgh police officers Eric G. Kelly, Stephen J. Mayhle and Paul J. Sciullo II.

“I would like to personally thank all of our fans, employees and players who donated their time and money to assist these families,” said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. “We recognize that no amount of aid can fill the void left behind by this senseless tragedy. Once again the people of Pittsburgh have shown how we always rally together to help those in need.”

The Pirates and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police teamed up during the Home Opener to encourage fans to donate to the fund as they entered the gates. Police officers and Pirates players and staff held collection buckets at every PNC Park gate where fans could donate prior to the start of the game. The Pirates front office staff also set-up collection stations inside PNC Park during the game.

In addition, the team placed the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (PBP) caps and Pirates jerseys with the “PBP” patch worn by all Pirates players and coaches during the 2009 Home Opener at PNC Park up for auction on Pirates.com. Also up for bid were the PBP caps worn by the Houston Astros players and coaches during the pre-game ceremonies. All the items were autographed and authenticated, including the Matt Capps jersey and hat that went for an auction-high $2,625.