photo by: Nick Henthorn

Pittsburgh Pirates owner Robert Nutting, left, speaks with parents during opening day of the Wellsburg Baseball and Softball Association on Saturday at the Betty Carr Recreation Site. Nutting, also the CEO of the Ogden Newspapers, presented a grant check from Pirate Charities to the youth league as part of the day’s celebration.

WELLSBURG — For Nathan Marshall, the chant “Let’s Go Bucs” will forever have a new meaning.

Marshall, one of the coaches for the Wellsburg Baseball and Softball Association, on Saturday talked with several hundred people in attendance at opening day for the youth league about how a season just weeks ago on the verge of not happening quickly took a turn after a phone call from Robert Nutting.

Nutting, owner and chairman of the Pittsburgh Pirates and also CEO of the Ogden Newspapers, had read of the league’s financial plight in the newspaper. He reached out to league officers with one question: “how can we help?”

Through the efforts of the Pirates charitable arm, Pirates Charities, and other community support a season once waiting for strike three to be called instead began Saturday with a grand slam.

“Everyone in this community — coaches, parents — they chose not to get negative but instead they came together and said, ‘Let’s do this for the kids,” Marshall said, thanking the new board members of Wellsburg Baseball and Softball for their efforts. “And of course I’d like to thank Pirates Charities especially John Leonard (Pirates Charities manager of Youth Baseball and Softball.) … This guy has been a miracle. They have stepped up in so many ways. And then, of course, I’d like to thank Bob Nutting. He’s one of our own from West Virginia, right down the road in Wheeling. Once he learned of our plight he immediately gave us a call and said, ‘what can I do to help? You are our neighbors, and I want to help.’ How great of a man is that? He didn’t have to do that.”

The combined team effort from the Pirates, the community and local businesses on Saturday turned into a celebration.

“Three weeks ago, we had nothing — no money, no hopes of anything,” Marshall said. “I was amazed by how much this community has come together.”

Along with a $15,000 grant from Pirates Charities, the Pirates organization itself played a big part in the opening ceremonies. The Pirates Parrot joined members of the Brooke High School baseball team in leading a parade of Wellsburg baseball and softball players and their coaches and parents along city streets to the Betty Carr Recreation Site, where they play.

Pirate alumnus and current analyst Michael McKenry greeted the players as they approached the ball field, offering a “high five” to each and encouraging them to run onto the field as they were introduced by Pirates in-game host Joe Klimchak.

And Pirate Charities staff held a free drawing for prizes ranging from pitching machines to wiffle ball sets while handing out Pirates items to all players.

Earlier in the week, Pirates staff also conducted a batting camp for the league’s players.

Chad Rogers, vice president of the Wellsburg Baseball and Softball Association, shared the sentiments of Marshall and Joe Pettini, its president, regarding the community’s support.

“All of the sponsors, the small businesses, kept this going. Without them, this wouldn’t happen. And the Pirates stepping up, that was huge,” he said.

Rogers pointed to a sign on which the support of about 30 local businesses and groups was acknowledged, noting many have sponsored teams in the league through the years.

He said the league currently includes about 55 players, from beginners in T-ball to 9- and 10-year-olds in the mustang division.

Rogers confirmed the number has declined in recent years, but he and the league’s recently elected officers and board hope to reverse that.

In addition to Pettini and Rogers, the organization’s board includes Michelle Mazzella, secretary; and Taylor Wilson, treasurer.

A dark cloud fell over the league in March when former president Eric M. Smith was charged with embezzlement following accusations he had taken thousands of dollars from its funds.

The case against Smith is pending in Brooke County Magistrate Court.

But while real dark clouds hovered above the ball field on Saturday morning, a bright and hopeful attitude for the future prevailed among many in attendance.

“I’m glad they’re able to keep it going,” said Kevin Lyons of Windsor Heights, whose son plays in the pinto division.

Tracy Johnson, another parent of a player, said of the opening day and the Pirate Charities announcement, “This was amazing. It’s really great. The Pirates are really great.”

Johnson was among volunteers overseeing a drawing for an assortment of gift baskets containing items collected by players from each of the league’s teams.

Rogers said the league’s leaders are considering other fundraisers, including possibly a concert by a local band that has offered its services.

“We’re still throwing around a few ideas, but we’re definitely going to have fundraisers,” he said.