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Burnett's Heartfelt Return to Pittsburgh
18 Apr
Summary
- A.J. Burnett returned to PNC Park to throw out the first pitch.
- Burnett expressed deep emotion about returning to the city.
- He praised the new City Connect uniforms as 'gorgeous'.
A.J. Burnett recently returned to Pittsburgh's PNC Park, a place he fondly calls home after his tenure with the Pirates. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, an event that stirred significant emotion. Burnett described the overwhelming feeling of walking into the stadium, reconnecting with former teammates and staff.
Burnett, a fan favorite acquired before the 2012 season, was instrumental in the Pirates' return to the playoffs in 2013. He earned an All-Star selection in his final season with the team in 2015, posting a career-best ERA. His return also coincided with the Pirates' debut of their new City Connect uniforms.
Burnett narrated the video for the new uniform launch and gave them his full endorsement, likening them to Batman's costume, a nickname he embraced during his time in Pittsburgh. He found the uniforms 'really sharp,' appreciating the black and gold colors with a red accent.
The fan reception was warm, with the crowd offering a roaring ovation. Burnett attributed his "new life" in baseball largely to Pittsburgh's acceptance from day one.
