PITTSBURGH (PTTP) — While the Pirates are currently in Bradenton, Florida, for Spring Training, now is the perfect time to reminisce on the impact the Pirates had on Pitt international students last season. These students, through a partnership between Pitt English Language Institute and Yasuda Women’s University in Hiroshima, Japan, got to meet Japanese Pirates player, Yoshi Tsutsugo.
Tsutsugo took the time to autograph baseballs, take pictures, and have conversations with the students. Through a translator, Tsutsugo showed his excitement for the Pitt students, saying, “I’m really excited to see students from Japan come here and meet me.” This interaction gave the students the opportunity to have a little piece of home in Pittsburgh.
Erika Kondo, an intern at the Pitt English Language Institute, described how the international students felt, “I think the fact that it’s just such a new experience, they’re really enjoying it. They love learning and talking to new people. It was a good time.”
The Pirates will return to PNC Park for Opening Day on April 7, when they will face off against the Chicago White Sox. In addition to a new season, the park will have a new scoreboard, to the delight of many fans.