Pirates

A.J. Burnett to Throw First Pitch to Russell Martin at Pirates’ Home Opener

Published

1 year ago

February 28, 2023

Batman returns!

No, I’m not talking about the 1992 film directed by Tim Burton. I’m talking about the Pittsburgh Pirates’ version of Batman.

A.J. Burnett announced on Twitter that he will be throwing out the first pitch at the Pirates’ home opener on Apr. 7 against the Chicago White Sox.

Catching the ceremonial first pitch will be former Pirate and battery mate of Burnett, Russell Martin.

Burnett was acquired from the New York Yankees and he spent the next two season’s wearing the black and gold. After leaving for Philadelphia in free agency for the 2014 season, Burnett came back to Pittsburgh in 2015 for the final season of his 17-year career.

It was that final season in 2015 that Burnett was named an All-Star for the first time in his career. He finished the year with a 3.18 ERA, the lowest of any season in his lengthy career.

Martin called Pittsburgh home from 2013-14 after signing a two-year deal as a free agent in Nov. 2012.

Martin’s two years with the Pirates resulted in a .256/.362/.401 triple slash with 26 home runs, 122 RBIs and excellent defense behind the plate. Martin posted 42 defensive runs saved in his two years with the Pirates and caught nearly 40% of attempted base stealers.

He may be best remembered for slugging a pair of home runs in the 2013 Wild Card game against the Cincinnati Reds.

Both Burnett and Martin were two of the most popular Pirates’ players in recent history and each player played integral roles in snapping the 20-year losing streak in the Pirates’ magical run in 2013 — exactly 10 seasons ago.

It’s the year of reunions for the Pirates as both Burnett and Martin will be back in Pittsburgh alongside their former teammate and current Pirates’ player Andrew McCutchen.