Pirates Gathered for Team Prayer for Fan Who Fell From Right Field Stands at PNC Park

PITTSBURGH — Following a horrific incident when a fan fell from the right field stands at PNC Park on Wednesday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates gathered as a team to say a prayer in the clubhouse after the game.

“We’re devastated of the situation that took place yesterday. We all came in here, together, as a team, after the game and said a prayer for him,” Andrew McCutchen said when speaking to reporters in the Pirates’ clubhouse on Thursday morning. “We hope the best for him and his family, just so he knows and his friends and family know that we’re all thinking about him and praying for the best for him. We just hope he pulls through.”

The fall occurred in the bottom of the seventh inning of a game between the Pirates and Chicago Cubs. Shortly after McCutchen hit a go-ahead double, play halted as medical personnel from both the Pirates and Cubs, as well as EMS at the ballpark, tended to the fan.

The pause lasted approximately ten minutes as medical staff provided aid to the fan on the right field warning track.

The fan was transported to Allegheny General Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Pittsburgh Police said the incident is being treated as an accident. They don’t expected to provide any additional updates.

“I just try to focus on now and hoping that he’s okay and he pulls through,” said McCutchen. “Obviously we don’t know his condition past what everyone else knows. So, we’re just hoping for the best for him. I hope he pulls through because he’s the reason why we are here. He’s the reason why we play the game. People that show their support so we can do something we love, partly because of him and because of fans. So, I just pray that he’s alright.”

Pirates Owner Issues Statement

“We are all deeply saddened and truly heartbroken after the terrible accident that occurred last night. It was one of the most difficult moments many of us have ever experienced. We are devastated,” Pirates owner Bob Nutting said in a statement. “Pirates baseball is a community, and our fans are like family. In times like these, we must come together, support one another, and keep him and his loved ones in our prayers.”

“We also want to thank and appreciate the efforts of the first responders who rushed to his attention and provided him with compassionate care.”

Nutting’s statement was read by PNC Park public address announcer Guy Junker prior to the start of Thursday’s game.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now has learned the identify of the hospitalized fan, but out of respect for his family and those close to him, we will not be releasing the information at this time.