By Audrey Snyder
Collegian Staff Writer
Standing on the mound is a familiar feeling for former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher John Candelaria. Performing in high-pressure situations is something the left hander became accustomed to while helping the Pirates win the 1979 World Series.
However, there was no pressure for Candelaria standing on the rubber Wednesday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park wearing a State College Spikes jersey. In fact, the crowd of 3,305 people was smaller compared to the 53,000 fans that Candelaria pitched in front of during Game Six of the 1979 World Series.
Candelaria threw out the ceremonial first pitch in the Spikes’ 7-3 loss to the visiting Aberdeen IronBirds. While the game didn’t go the way Spikes had hoped, it still didn’t put a damper on Candelaria’s visit to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Pirates’ World Series Championship.
via Pirates legend amuses crowd – The Daily Collegian Online .
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