During the weeks of January 18-22 and January 26-29, the annual Pirates Winter Caravan made stops in an unprecedented 30 cities throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland, covering a total of 2,325 miles.
Two separate groups of players, coaches, broadcasters and front office staff traveled throughout the region during the two-week stretch. The 30 communities visited in 2009, was an increase of 10 stops over the 2008 Caravan journey.
The Caravan featured school visits and public appearances by all members of the traveling party, including the Pirate Parrot. At each public visit, the participants signed free autographs for fans, met with members of the media and discussed the 2009 Pirates season. In addition, fans had the opportunity to purchase tickets for the Pirates Home Opener at each public stop.
Pirates manager John Russell, third base coach Tony Beasley, new pitching coach Joe Kerrigan and hitting coach Don Long all took part in this year's event. In addition, players Nate McLouth, Ryan Doumit, Paul Maholm, Matt Capps, Sean Burnett, Ross Ohlendorf, John Grabow, Andy LaRoche, Steve Pearce, Nyjer Morgan, Jeff Karstens and Neil Walker all participated in this year's Caravan.
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