PITTSBURGH – Point Park University athletics hall of famer and former Pioneer baseball standout Don Kelly was announced as Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization on Thursday afternoon, the Major League Baseball organization announced.
 
Kelly was elevated after serving as bench coach for the Pirates for the past six seasons.
 
"Point Park University has proudly supported Don Kelly since he joined us as a freshman," said President Chris Brussalis. "After hitting .413 over four years, he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2001 and we watched him advance to the Major Leagues.
 
"As an alumnus, Don has been a strong advocate for the university and our athletics program. We are proud, though not surprised, by a remarkable journey that has led him to becoming the manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. His dedication, versatility, and leadership embody the spirit of Point Park and continue to inspire our community. We look forward to cheering him on in this new role," Brussalis commented.
 
Kelly was a NAIA All-America selection following his final season with the Pioneers in 2001, before being drafted by Detroit. After working his way through the minors, Kelly made his major league debut with the Pirates in 2007. In 2010, he spent the full season in the majors with the Detroit Tigers.
 
"Donnie is an exceptional person on so many levels," said Vice President of Athletics Scott Swain. "He is such a great supporter of our University and of Pioneer Baseball.  He is a member of the Point Park Athletics Hall of Fame, but first and foremost, he is a Hall of Fame human being. Our annual baseball player of the year award is named after Donnie because he is a superior Pioneer on all fronts."
 
Prior to spending 2010 with Detroit's major league club, he was named the Tigers' Triple-A Player of the Year in 2009.
 
A career .400 hitter while at Point Park, Kelly capped his career by hitting .450 with 45 RBIs and 34 stolen bases in 2001 for the Pioneers. His career totals included 177 hits, 34 doubles, 92 RBIs and 74 stolen bases while wearing the green and gold.
 
A 2001 graduate of Point Park University, Kelly was inducted into the University's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.
 
Veteran Point Park head baseball coach Loren Torres commented; "Donnie has been a huge supporter of our program over the years, and we couldn't be prouder of his promotion to Pirates manager. Our program wishes him the best of luck in his new role."