The Pirates last night unveiled their "new clubhouse facilities at McKechnie Field" in Bradenton, Fla., including numerous state-of-the-art features," according to Tom Singer of MLB.com. The 22,500-square-foot "edifice beyond the right-field corner represents" about a 50% expansion of the previous accommodations. The Pirates' Spring Training base since '69 received a $6.5M facelift, "centered by a plush, spacious locker room area and functional spaces that simply were nonexistent previously" (MLB.com, 2/24). In Florida, Timothy Wolfrum writes the Pirates "paid attention to aesthetics." There are "several nods to the tradition of the five-time world champions, including a huge photo of PNC Park" and a HOF Wall "featuring large photos of every Pirates" HOFer. Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston said, "This is fantastic. We're very excited about the partnership between Bradenton and the Pirates. It cannot be overexaggerated. It's really, really terrific. We saw around here that Major League Baseball, whether it's in Florida or Arizona, has Bradenton envy" (BRADENTON HERALD, 2/25). Pirates President Frank Coonelly said the previous clubhouse "was not up to the standards" of GM Neal Huntington or manager Clint Hurdle. Coonelly: “They let me know about it.” In Pittsburgh, Bill Brink notes Huntington was "closely involved with the design of the new clubhouse." The team "received clearance from the city to add some land to their lease" (POST-GAZETTE.com, 2/24). Fawley Bryant Architects designed the new clubhouse (Pirates).
IN THE CARDS? Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said that there was "money available to update" the Cardinals’ Spring Training facility in Jupiter. Mozeliak: “I would never say 'outdated.' But I would say we’ve just outgrown some areas of the complex.” He added that the "short-term wish list would include a kitchen, more locker space for the minor leaguers and a larger weight room" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 2/25).
