N.L. CENTRAL

Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Club

PNC PARK

LOCATION

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

OPENED

2001

CAPACITY

38,362

NICKNAME

The Park

For 30 years, the Pirates shared a stadium with the NFL’s Steelers. But like many other teams in the aughts, they moved to a park dedicated solely to baseball. PNC Park opened in the spring of 2001. The Pirates are one of the oldest teams in baseball, joining the National League in 1882. In their more than 100-year history, they've won five World Series. But the new park hasn’t brought them any luck yet. While a Pittsburgh native, Sean Casey, got the park’s first hit, a home run over right-center, he was playing for the Reds at the time. PNC Park is one of the smallest ballparks, seating just fewer than 40,000 fans. Still, it is worth visiting for the amazing views of the Pittsburgh skyline and the Roberto Clemente Bridge, named after one of the team’s greats.

Hall of Fame FOODIE

All-Star pitcher Tim Wakefield (Pittsburgh Pirates 1992–1993) reportedly ate a pound of spaghetti before games he started.

SPICY PITTSBURGH-STYLE SANDWICH
WITH PEANUT BUTTER CUP FUDGE

Pittsburgh is known for its hard-working, blue-collar folks, and what better reward for a long day on the job than a hearty sandwich? The city’s favorite sandwich shop, Primanti Brothers, has dozens of restaurants across Pennsylvania, including inside PNC Park. This Pittsburgh-style sandwich is stuffed with meat, coleslaw, and french fries.

N.L. CENTRAL

Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Club

SPICY PITTSBURGH-STYLE SANDWICH

PREP TIME

5 minutes

COOK TIME

30 minutes

MAKES

4 sandwiches

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups frozen french fries
• 1 French bread loaf
• 1 pound sliced hot capicola ham
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 8 leaves lettuce
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise, divided

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place french fries on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and bake according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, cut the French bread into 4 equal pieces, then slice horizontally.
3. Place the meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Turn the meat frequently to prevent sticking.
4. When the meat is slightly browned, divide it equally among the bottom halves of the four sandwiches.
5. Top with provolone cheese, 1/2 cup of french fries, and 2 lettuce leaves.
6. Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on each of the top halves and place on top of the sandwiches. Serve immediately.

KETCHUP KING

Baseball and hot dogs go hand in hand, and some believe hot dogs and ketchup do too! Ketchup devotees owe a lot to Pittsburgh. The city is home to Heinz, maker of America’s bestselling ketchup. In fact, Heinz Stadium is home to Pittsburgh’s other beloved sports team, the Steelers.

N.L. CENTRAL

Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Club

PEANUT BUTTER CUP FUDGE

PREP TIME

10 minutes

COOK TIME

4 hours

MAKES

16 pieces

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk, divided
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup peanut butter chips
• generous sprays cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Generously spray a baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, 1 1/4 cups sweetened condensed milk, and the semisweet chocolate chips. Microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds. Stir with a spatula and microwave for an additional 30 seconds or until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
3. Pour the mixture in the baking dish and spread evenly.
4. Working quickly, combine 1/2 tablespoon butter, 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, and the peanut butter chips in a second microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds. Stir with a spatula and microwave for an additional 30 seconds or until chips are melted and smooth.
5. Pour the mixture over the top of the chocolate and spread evenly. Place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
6. To serve, cut into 16 squares. Serve cooled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week.