A new beginning

Playing on the exact spot where their first ballpark – Exposition Park – once stood, the Pittsburgh Pirates open Three Rivers Stadium 53 years ago tonight with a 3-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds before a crowd of 48,846.

Historians note that Cincinnati’s Tony Perez hits the first home run in the new stadium, a two-run drive to left field in the fifth inning off Pirates starter Dock Ellis that gives the Reds a 2-1 lead.

Willie Stargell hits the Pirates’ first homer at Three Rivers, a solo homer to right in the sixth off Reds starter Gary Nolan to tie the score at 2.

Perez eventually scores the deciding run in the ninth inning on Lee May’s one-out RBI single to left off Ellis.

The new home field also gives the Pirates a chance to show off their new uniforms as they switch from the old flannels with a vest to a little something in a cotton and nylon.