Former KU hurler honored by the Pittsburgh Pirates
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INDIANAPOLIS – Former Kansas right-handed ace Frank Duncan followed up an All-Star campaign for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians with his second-straight recognition from the Pittsburgh Pirates organization as the club’s 2016 Pirates Community Commitment Award winner.
Duncan led all of the nearly 300 players in the Pirates organization by dedicating 54.5 volunteer service hours to the Indianapolis community. One honoree is chosen from every affiliate in the Pirates farm system each season. Duncan earned the honor in 2015 when he played for the High-A Bradenton Marauders.
Among his off the field contributions, Duncan visited with patients at Riley Hospital for Children and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, played ball with members of the Brownsburg Challenger League and gave one-on-one instruction as part of the Indians’ Special Needs Clinic in partnership with Autism Speaks.
All of those offerings came as part of the Pirates Community Commitment Program (PCCP) that helps each player in the Pirates organization understand the personal and professional growth opportunities linked to community service, as they are seen as role models or potential leaders.
On the field, Duncan enjoyed an outstanding year on the mound. He was named a Triple-A All-Star and selected by the coaching staff as the club’s Rookie of the Year after establishing career marks in wins (9), ERA (2.34) and WHIP (1.19). He posted the second-lowest ERA after June 1 in the International League (2.08) and logged the league’s top scoreless streak with 23 and 2/3 shutout innings.
Winners of the Community Commitment Award will be honored in an on-field ceremony at PNC Park in Pittsburgh prior to the Pirates hosting the Washington Nationals at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, September 24.
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