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Bristol Pirates commended by Virginia General Assembly

April 24, 2018

Bristol Baseball, Inc., commonly known as BBI, and operator of the Bristol Pirates, was recently commended by the Virginia General Assembly for what the legislature termed “the organization’s unique contributions to the Bristol community.”

In House Joint Resolution 215, agreed to by both the House of Delegate and Senate, the Virginia legislature observed that BBI is a non-profit organization with an all-volunteer board, which has no full-time staff. For 49 years, BBI has relied on this framework to operate a professional baseball team in Bristol, with a volunteer general manager, currently Mahlon Luttrell, who also serves as president of BBI.

The General Assembly also noted that DeVault Memorial Stadium, which also serves as a facility for local high school and other amateur contests, “continues to meet the high standards of a professional baseball facility thanks to Bristol Baseball, Inc.”

Luttrell commented that “All of us at BBI and the Bristol Pirates are grateful that the Virginia General Assembly honored us with this resolution, and recognized all of the work that our volunteers have done throughout the years to keep professional baseball alive and well in Bristol.” The resolution observed that BBI’s work has ensured “that the citizens of Bristol continue to enjoy the benefits of professional baseball.”

In expressing its admiration for BBI’s work, the General Assembly also noted that through BBI’s efforts, local fans have been able to see future Major League Baseball all-stars, as well as a World Series MVP and soon-to-be member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Alan Trammell.

The resolution also noted that BBI’s volunteer efforts have “enhanced the lives of Bristol residents by providing a family-friendly entertainment opportunity,” opportunities which will resume in mid-June when BBI hosts Meet the Pirates Night at DeVault Memorial Stadium. For more information on Meet the Pirates, BBI, and the 2018 Bristol Pirates, visit www.BristolPiratesBaseball.com.