The old saying “April showers bring May flowers” doesn’t seem to hold true snow.
But that’s what happened Friday afternoon in Pittsburgh during the Pirates’ home opener against the Orioles at PNC Park, which was blessed with a snowstorm throughout play.
This is unusual considering baseball is played from spring to fall, but it’s happened before in baseball and in Pittsburgh. In 2018, the Pirates also played in the snow at their home park..
It’s not unusual for Pirates fans rooting for the NFL’s Steelers or Orioles fans rooting for the Ravens, but seeing it on the diamond is unique.
With snow falling on and off throughout the contest, the Sportsnet Pittsburgh announcer noted the wintry atmosphere, noting how Jack Swinski was enjoying the precipitation.
“Jack Swinski, he’s from Chicago, he’s used to this,” play-by-play man Greg Brown said.
Orioles starter Grayson Rodriguez added that the experience is not something he’s used to considering where he was born.
“I’m from Texas and I don’t really see snow, but it was so much fun to experience it,” Rodriguez said, according to the Associated Press.
“It wasn’t that bad,” Pirates hurler Jared Jones said of the snow. “The adrenaline was pumping and that helped me a little bit. But it was more fun than anything.”
As part of the eventful game, rising star O’Neal Crews hit his first home run of the season for the Pirates at PNC Park.
Unfortunately, the home Pirates lost to the Orioles 5-2 in their home opener, but they still maintain a solid record of 6 wins and 2 losses.
The Orioles’ record improved to 5 wins and 2 losses.
