SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – The Pittsburgh Pirates’ mascot has arrived in Florida as the team prepares for spring training.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport announced the Pirate Parrot’s arrival in a social media post Tuesday. The airport said it welcomed an inbound flight from Pittsburgh International Airport with the team’s mascot as a special guest.
“The Pirate Parrot has officially landed at SRQ! We were excited to welcome an inbound flight from PIT with a special guest, the Pittsburgh Pirates Parrot! Kicking off the countdown to Spring Training games starting this week,” the airport said in the post.
The arrival coincides with the start of camp. Pitchers and catchers reported Wednesday morning for the first official day of spring training for the 2026 season.
The Pirates are coming off a 71-91 record last year that placed them last in the National League Central. The team now has a new manager. Don Kelly, who previously served as the team’s bench coach since December 2019, is taking over.
The first spring training game is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, against the Baltimore Orioles.
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