Commemorative
Object number2011.105.1
Manufacturer
The Ames Companies, Inc.
Manufacturer
Louisville Slugger
Date1999
OriginLouisville, KY
Mediumwood; steel
Credit LineGift of Robert Cranmer
DescriptionGroundbreaking shovel with baseball bat as handle.Dimensions56.25 x 8.75 in. (142.9 x 22.2 cm)InscriptionsHandle has gold print: "[PNC Park logo] / PNC Park Groundbreaking / Bob Cranmer / April 7, 1999".
MarksSteel blade has maker's information on neck "USA / TEMPERED / AMES / Since / 1774".
Handle has gold print: "Louisville / Slugger / Louisville, Kentucky Made in U.S.A." and "Powerized".
Historical NotesShovel used by Robert Cranmer at the groundbreaking ceremony for PNC Park in 1999. Cramner was the Allegheny County Commissioner from 1996-2000. He was part of the first Republican majority to be elected since 1932 in the county. Cranmer cast the key deciding vote and drove the plan for "Plan B," the project that built Heinz Field, PNC Park, and the new Convention Center (two of the three county commissioners had to approve the deal). It was primarily a "county" project, with the city playing a secondary role. He also conducted the final negotiations with the Rooney's concerning the amount of money the Steelers would invest in the stadium.
Related institution
Pittsburgh Pirates
(founded 1887)
Previous owner
Robert Cranmer
On View
Not on view
The Ames Companies, Inc.
1997
