It is authentically old, without the faux sheen of retro features so prevalent in new spring-training complexes these days. Built in 1923 for the St. Louis Cardinals and still known by many oldtimers as the former spring home of the Milwaukee Braves and Atlanta Braves, McKechnie Field is basically the same ballpark where Roberto Clemente gracefully patrolled the outfield, where Willie Stargell engaged the fans, and where Henry Aaron awed onlookers with his sheer power and determination. It’s not the gaudiest of ballparks and the Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t exactly crammed with superstars these days, but spring-training aficionados know McKechnie Field is a throwback to how spring training used to be: an intimate affair played in a neighborhood ballpark.
FAST FACTS
Year Opened: 1923; last renovated in 1993 and 2007
Capacity: 6,562
Dimensions: 335L, 375LC, 400C, 375RC, 335R
Playing Surface: Grass
League: Florida State League
Parent: Pittsburgh Pirates
Parking: Local street parking.
Address/Directions: From St. Petersburg, take I-275 South across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Take I-75 South exit. Take Exit 220 for FL-64 toward Bradenton. Keep right at fork and merge onto Manatee Avenue East. Continue for approximately 6 miles. Turn left at Ninth Street West. McKechnie Field will be on your right.
It is authentically old, without the faux sheen of retro features so prevalent in new spring-training complexes these days. Built in 1923 for the St. Louis Cardinals and still known by many oldtimers as the former spring home of the Milwaukee Braves and Atlanta Braves, McKechnie Field is basically the same ballpark where Roberto Clemente gracefully patrolled the outfield, where Willie Stargell engaged the fans, and where Henry Aaron awed onlookers with his sheer power and determination. It’s not the gaudiest of ballparks and the Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t exactly crammed with superstars these days, but spring-training aficionados know McKechnie Field is a throwback to how spring training used to be: an intimate affair played in a neighborhood ballpark.
Still, McKechnie Field isn’t exactly the same as it was 20 years ago. For starters: there are now lights in the place. McKechnie Field was the last spring-training facility to sport lights, and this season will see the return of Florida State League baseball in the form of the Bradenton Maurauders. But it’s the sort of intimate place where the regulars know one another, and beer vendor Kevin Beauregard still leads the cheers on a slow afternoon.
The overall comfort level in McKechnie Field is very high. Seating is divided into three basic areas. The three grandstands are mostly shaded (a press box sits above the center grandstand, while canopies shade the other two). In early March it can be a little chilly at a game when a cool breeze wafts into the grandstands. The bleachers, on the other hand, are uncovered. The one drawback to McKechnie: The seats are a little on the cozy side and of a slightly unusual design. Those of us featuring above-average girth will feel a little cramped. (For those who find the plastic seats to be a little on the hard side, the Bradenton Pirates Boosters Club will happily rent you a seat cushion for $1.)
The Pirates have been training in Bradenton since 1969, and baseball has been played at McKechnie Field since 1923 (the minor-league Bradenton Growers occupied the ballpark in the 1920s). It’s built in a Florida Spanish Mission style, with white stucco on the main grandstand. The design is like most spring-training facilities: There are box seats on the field side of a wide concourse and bleacher seats on the other side of the concourse.
Be warned the Pirates don’t actually train in McKechnie Field, at least not at the beginning of spring training. When pitchers and catchers report, the Bucs train at Pirate City, located about five miles away from McKechnie Field at 1701 27th St. E. Morning practices shift to McKechnie Field when games start.
CONCESSIONS
The aforementioned Beauregard sells beer and peanuts in the stands, but most fans will want to head to the back of the grandstand for a series food booths. When it comes to variety, some of the best dining in the Grapefruit League is at McKechnie. Highly recommended: the foot-long hot dog. Other foods on the menu include hamburgers, Demetrios pizza, Greek salads, fruit smoothies, and ice cream.