BRADENTON, Fla. -- Robert Nutting, son of Wheeling, W.Va., newspaper executive G. Ogden Nutting, is a new limited partner in the Pirates and has joined his father as a voting member of the board of directors.

Other changes in the board and investment team were made public this week in the team's media guide. Chip Ganassi, who has racing teams on the NASCAR and Indy Racing League circuits, has sold his investment in the team and steps down as a non-voting member of the board and as a limited partner.

William B. Allen, a North Carolina businessman, is no longer on the board but remains as a limited partner. Allen's voting spot on the board was filled by Robert Nutting.

Kevin McClatchy, the managing general partner and chief executive officer, said changes have not been out of the ordinary since his investment group completed the purchase of the Pirates in 1996.

"Any changes to this group have been done in a friendly and amicable fashion. The composition of our board has changed several times since 1996, which is typical and healthy of any board of directors," McClatchy said.

The Pirates do not comment on the internal workings of the ownership group and how it operates the franchise. However, it is believed that the Nutting family has more invested in the team than any single person or group.

The voting members of the board include McClatchy, who has two votes, the two Nuttings and Donald Beaver, a North Carolina sports entrepreneur.

Non-voting members of the board include Mayor Tom Murphy, Frank Brenner and George Morgan, who represents the H.J. Heinz Co. investment.