Opening Day romp for Pirates and fans at PNC Park

Posted on April 3, 2016 by Steve Mellon - Photos, Pirates

Pirate Francisco Cervelli takes a swing early in the game. His team would open the season in grand style, beating the Cardinals 4-1. Pictures in this gallery were shot with a lens that creates a very shallow depth of field. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

The day began with fans streaming across the Roberto Clemente Bridge. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Chris Miller is decked out in some very cool Pirate gear at a tailgate party. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Pirate manager Clint Hurdle warms up his players with some fielding. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Andrew McCutchen gets a vote for president. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Groundskeepers prepare the field an hour before the game. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Mr. Potato Head greets fans on the Roberto Clemente Bridge. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Terron Whitehead, 2, attended the game with grandmother Tamitra Miles. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Pirate helmets before the game. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Owner Robert Nutting chats before the first pitch of the season. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Jeff Walters is Wiggles the First Mate. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Ben Phillips and Jess Cabin get a picture in front of the Willie Stargell statue. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Outfielder Gregory Polanco prepares for the game. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Golden Glove award moments before it was presented to outfielder Starling Marte. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Andrew McCutchen accepts the Louisville Slugger award. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Matt Stickle, 7, and other participants in the “Kids Take the Field” program await the start. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Pirates line up to hear the National Anthem. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Douglas Johnson watches. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Pittsburgher Jackie Evancho was on hand to sing the National Anthem. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

St. Louis watches Pirates introduction. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Pirate Andrew McCutchen is greeted by manager Clint Hurdle. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Pitt running back James Conner throws out the first pitch. Conner is battling Hodgkin lymphoma. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Backstage, Pittsburgh pierogies nervously await the start of their traditional race. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

A vendor sells his wares. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Starling Marte in left field. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Jolly Roger flies over the rotunda. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Louis Lambros of Mt. Lebanon showed up as “Bucco Louie.”

Cam Evans Sr. chats with son Cam Evans Jr. At left is Dale Tyler and Brooke Livinston. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Alyson Gresh, 5, and brother Luke, 7, brought signs. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

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