Pirates Usher Phil Coyne Retires at Age 99 After 81 Seasons

A Pittsburgh Pirates institution is retiring at the age of 99.

According to the Associated Press (via ESPN.com), the Pirates announced usher Phil Coyne—who is the oldest usher in the major leagues and set to turn 100 this month—is retiring following 81 years on the job.

The AP noted he has worked home games for the Pirates in Forbes Field, Three Rivers Stadium and PNC Park since 1936 and was even granted "Phil Coyne Day" on Aug. 29, 2017, by the Pittsburgh City Council.

The Pirates Press pointed out "Coyne is a name that every Pirates fan knows" and estimated he has worked 6,000 games as an usher. His only break came when he served during World War II.

Pittsburgh will throw him a 100th birthday party on April 27 when the team takes on the St. Louis Cardinals.

It celebrated his 99th birthday at the park last year:

The Pirates have started the 2018 season in style as Coyne prepares for retirement and are 6-1 following Friday's win over the Cincinnati Reds.