Phil Coyne, Beloved Pittsburgh Pirates Usher, Dead At 102

Phil Coyne, the beloved longtime Pitsburgh Pirates usher, has died at the age of 102.

Coyne ushered baseball fans to their seats for 81 years, serving as a staple of Pirates games at Forbes Field, Three Rivers Stadium and PNC Park before retiring at the age of 99 in 2018, WPXI reports.

Coyne began ushering at Pirates games during the Great Depression, working his first game at Forbes Field in 1936, the same year Babe Ruth was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

He became a legend in Pittsburgh, affectionately called "Philly" by locals, and was celebrated by the City Council with "Phil Coyne Day" on August 29, after his final season.

"It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the news of the passing of long-time usher Phil Coyne," the Pirates tweeted. "Today, we remember the life and many fond moments we have all shared with Phil. Our deepest condolences to the Coyne family and the many friends Phil made throughout the years.

Pirates management confirmed Coyne never missed a day of work during his 81 years of employment. Outside of the ballpark, Coyne also served as an usher at St. Paul's Cathedral in Oakland.

“Phil was and always will be a true Pirates legend. He was a hard-working, passionate family man who proudly served our country as a member of the United States Army during World War II,” said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting via WPXI. “Phil was so much more than an usher to us and our fans. As a testament to his life of service to the game of baseball, his Pirates uniform and identification badge remain on permanent display at the National Baseball Hall-of-Fame.”

Photo: iHeartMedia/Tall Cathy