Pirates Open Spring Training Friday Against SCF Manatees at McKechnie Field

MANATEE--Play Ball! will be the cry of the umpire Friday at noon when the Pittsburgh Pirates take on the State College of Florida Manatees in the opening game of the Grapefruit League schedule at McKechnie Field in Bradenton. First pitch is 12:05 p.m.

It has become a tradition for the Pirates to begin spring training with a game against the State College of Florida Manatees, one of the top junior college baseball teams in the country. The Manatees are 12-5 this season and are defending state champions in JUCO baseball.

The Bradenton Times will broadcast the game beginning at noon Friday which can be accessed by clicking here.