Pirates, Josh Harrison, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation Host 10-Year-Old Aaron at PNC Park

Many dream of playing for a big league team. For 10-year-old Aaron Ashby, that dream came true when early Friday morning, the Pirates and the Make-A-Wish® Foundation announced the Club had agreed to terms with Aaron on a one-day contract for July 13, 2018!

Aaron, known as ‘A-Hay’, and his family were welcomed to PNC Park by Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting (after a pretty sweet ride in a limo) for a special lunch in the Rivendale Suite Level Patio Garden.

Aaron’s favorite Pirate (and his new teammate), Josh Harrison, joined him to start their afternoon together — they enjoyed BBQ chicken tender sliders, grilled hot dogs, watermelon wedges, french fries, and chocolate cupcakes with vanilla icing, easily covering all of the essentials for the perfect lunch at the ballpark!

Aaron continued his day as a big leaguer with an exclusive ballpark tour from his tour guide and nickname twin, J-Hay. Aaron met his manager, Clint Hurdle, and his other new teammates including Jordan Luplow, Jameson Taillon, Trevor Williams, Felipe Vazquez, Steven Brault, David Freese, Joe Musgrove, and more.

J-Hay continued the tour, showing Aaron all of his teammates lockers around the Pirates clubhouse. Once they got to the final locker, Aaron looked up to see his name hung up on his very own locker, reserved just for him!

JHay told Aaron — “You get to dive in. This is YOUR locker!”

Aaron and Josh made their way to the field for a game of catch and a special private batting practice, where Aaron got to show off his pretty sweet hitting skills to J-Hay. Aaron and his family were personally invited to stay for all of Pirates batting practice, where Aaron got right out there and shagged fly balls with all of his teammates!

After batting practice, Aaron was formally introduced to the Pittsburgh media at a press conference, where Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting and Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington officially signed Aaron to his big league contract! ✍️

“We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to experience this day with Aaron and his family. Aaron is an inspiration to us and we are excited for the intangibles he will bring to the Club.” — Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting

JHay even brought Trevor Williams, Joe Musgrove, and Colin Moran to congratulate their new teammate. They patiently waited for Aaron to sign his contract, taking their own pictures to remember the moment! 📸

Aaron and his entire family ended their incredible day watching his teammates play the Brewers from their very own luxury suite on the Rivendale Suite Level, courtesy of Pirates Charities.

We’re honored to have helped make Aaron’s wish come true. Thanks for visiting with us today, A-Hay!