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Pirates' President Coonelly Excited For Home-Opener

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Pittsburgh Pirates opened the 2015 season on the road, but they are back in town for today's home-opener.

Fans and players alike are excited, but so is Pirates President Frank Coonelly.

"It's going to be 75 degrees today, what a great day for opening day of Pirates baseball," Coonelly said.

After being swept in their opening series with the Reds, the Bucs battled back and took two out of three from the Brewers.

"Good way to bounce back after a tough series in Cincinnati, where it was all one-swing losses. To take two out of three in Milwaukee was a good way to come into here - to PNC Park - to our great fans, to open our season at home," Coonelly said.

Some experts have said that this team could contend for a World Series title. The team shares that belief as well.

"The expectations are high for this team, both internally and externally. But, from our perspective, the most important thing is what these players believe in, what this staff believes in. We believe in these guys. We think that we are legitimate contenders this season, but we have to prove it on the field, though. There's nothing given to you, particularly in the National League Central, one of the toughest divisions in baseball," Coonelly said.

The Pirates will have a good test in their first game at PNC Park today. Their opponent, the Detroit Tigers, enter the game with a perfect 6-0 record.

Coonelly also joined "The Fan Morning Show" today to talk about the team and the home-opener. Listen to the interview here:

Gates open at 11:30 a.m. for today's home-opener. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m.

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