Ben Roethlisberger to Throw Out First Pitch at Pirates Game

For the first time in almost 20 years, Ben Roethlisberger won’t be at Steelers training camp in late July. But that doesn’t mean the future Hall of Famer will be resting his arm. The Pirates announced on Wednesday that Roethlisberger will throw the first pitch before their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 29 at PNC Park.

The theme of the night at PNC Park is Yinzerpalooza, celebrating everything that defines Pittsburgh, so it’s fitting that one of the greatest athletes the city has ever seen will throw out the first pitch.

It wouldn’t be Yinzerpalooza without a proper first pitch!

Big Ben will be doing the honors on July 29.

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 20, 2022

In addition to Roethlisberger, the Pirates’ Yinzerpalooza celebration will include a pregame pierogi eating contest, appearances from Pittsburgh celebrities and Pirates alumni, and a postgame concert by The Clarks.

This isn’t the first time since Roethlisberger’s retirement in January that another professional Pittsburgh sports team honored him, as Big Ben did the ceremonial puck drop before a Penguins’ game against the New York Rangers at PPG Paints Arena in March.

Roethlisberger’s wife, Ashley, also set up a day of competition for him prior to his 40th birthday, where he took batting practice with the Pirates and worked out with the Penguins. Roethlisberger also recently played in the Icons Series golf tournament where he helped Team USA defeat Team Rest of the World. Even in retirement, Roethlisberger is still ultra-competitive. Roethlisberger was all-district and all-league when he played baseball at Findlay High School in Ohio, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Roethlisberger’s first pitch was right on the money.