The first time the name Pittsburgh Pirates was acknowledged on the team's jerseys was in 1912, but the name had been around long before. With the help of Honus Wagner (considered by many to be the best shortstop to ever play the game) the Pirates went to their first World Series in 1903, ultimately losing to the Boston Red Sox.
The team won its first World Series title in 1909, only to begin a streak of no success that culminated in a horrible 51-win 1918 season. With the combination of veteran outfielder Max Carey and youngsters like Pie Traynor and Kiki Cuyler, the Pirates won the 1925 World Series and made it once again to the Fall Classic in 1927. It was not until 1960 that the Pirates once again put together a good team. The team featured eight All-Stars, and won the World Series that year in dramatic fashion against the New York Yankees.
The 1960's were highlighted by the emergence of outstanding hitter and right fielder Roberto Clemente and the great defensive second basemen Bill Mazeroski. In 1971, with the help of Roberto Clemente, Steve Blass Willie Stargell and the new atmosphere of Three Rivers Stadium, the Pirates once again captured a World Series title. Sadly, Roberto Clemente died in a tragic plane crash in 1972; he was inducted into the Hall of Fame almost immediately to recognize his contributions to the game. The 1980's marked a period of decline by the Pittsburgh Pirates until they were eventually regarded as the worst team in baseball.
The Pirates bounced back to win division titles from 1990-1992, but failed to advance to the World Series each year. In 2001, the Pirates opened a new stadium, PNC Park, which is regarded as one of the best baseball parks to currently play in.
After trading Jason Bay to the Red Sox in 2008 the Pirates received Andy LaRoche, Bryan Morris, Brandon Moss, and Craig Hanson. The Dodgers were also involved in this deal as they received Manny Ramirez from the Sox. With this new young mix of players hopefully the Pirates can put up a fight in the NL Central. The roster will combine these newly acquired players with veterans Matt Capps, Freddy Sanchez, and Nate McLouth.
The final day before the trading deadline was an eventful one. Though no top-level players changed hands, a good deal of players will be donning new uniforms the next time they take the field. The Los Angeles Dodgers traded Josh Bell and Steve Johnson for Baltimore closer George Sherrill. The Pirates traded John Grabow and [...]
The ‘Manny Being Manny’ circus will no longer be a part of the everyday talks in Boston as the 36-year old left-fielder was traded right before yesterday’s 4pm deadline to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three team blockbuster deal.Throughout the day, talks circled around a three team negotiation that would send Manny Ramirez out [...]
On the same day in which Manny told ESPN Deportes that the he loved Boston fans but that “the Red Sox do not deserve a player like me”, the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Florida Marlins worked tirelessly on a blockbuster trade. The move would send Jason Bay to Boston, Manny to Florida, and [...]
