Frank Coonelly is a prominent figure in the world of baseball, having served in various capacities for several teams over the years. He began his career as a lawyer, working for the Pittsburgh law firm of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart. In 1993, he was hired by Major League Baseball as a labor relations attorney, where he worked on several high-profile cases, including the 1994-95 strike.
In 2007, Coonelly was hired as the president of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a position he held for 12 years. During his tenure, he oversaw a major overhaul of the team's front office and player development system, which led to the Pirates' first winning season in 20 years in 2013. Coonelly was also instrumental in the construction of PNC Park, the Pirates' state-of-the-art stadium that opened in 2001.
Prior to his time with the Pirates, Coonelly worked for Major League Baseball as the senior vice president and general counsel for labor relations. In this role, he was responsible for negotiating the league's collective bargaining agreements with the players' union, as well as overseeing the league's drug testing program.
Coonelly's career in baseball began in 1993, when he was hired by Major League Baseball as a labor relations attorney. He worked on several high-profile cases, including the 1994-95 strike, before being promoted to senior vice president and general counsel for labor relations in 2000.
In addition to his work in baseball, Coonelly has also been involved in several charitable organizations. He is a board member of the Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania, which provides opportunities for children with disabilities to play baseball, and he has also served on the board of the Pittsburgh Promise, a scholarship program for Pittsburgh Public Schools students.
Overall, Frank Coonelly's career in baseball has been marked by his dedication to improving the game both on and off the field. His work with the Pirates and Major League Baseball has helped to shape the sport into what it is today, and his commitment to charitable causes has made a positive impact on countless lives.
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