The Pirates aren't for sale and neither is the chief executive officer's spot on the board of directors.
That was the message delivered Monday by CEO and managing general partner Kevin McClatchy when asked about persistent speculation that a change in either ownership or its structure is forthcoming.
McClatchy emphatically said the team is not for sale -- "No, there will be no ownership change." -- and vowed he will remain in his role through at least the end of the season.
"I've got a contract that goes through the end of the year, and I sit on the board that helps define that contract," McClatchy said at the unveiling of a Negro Leagues tribute at PNC Park. "I'm not worried about where that is going to go. There are a lot of reports flying around out there, and I appreciate people trying to do their jobs. But I'm not nervous about that issue."
McClatchy is one of four members on the board of directors. He holds two of the board's five votes. Members of the Nutting family also have two votes, with the fifth being held by Donald Beaver.
For about a year, speculation has persisted that the franchise would be sold -- or McClatchy would jettison his stake in the team -- after the Pirates hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 11.
With that date fast approaching -- and with the Nutting family's purchase of Seven Springs Resort becoming public earlier this month -- the rumors have intensified. One possibility is for the Nuttings to buy out McClatchy, who spearheaded the most recent ownership change in 1996.
Pressed further on the subject, McClatchy did indicate he would explore his options later in the season.
"I'm going to look at it as we get to the end of the year," he said. "I'm comfortable with the job and all that. We'll take a look at it. Right now, we've got an All-Star Game coming here. That's all I care about. That's where all of my focus is now, making sure we put on the best All-Star Game for the city of Pittsburgh. That's what we're working on.
"I'll worry about those other things at the end of the year."
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