Roberto Clemente
Clemente was on the MLB All-Star game roster in 13 different years, was selected to 15 All-Star Games. He was the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1966, the NL batting leader in 1961, 1964, 1965, and 1967. A well balanced player, Clemente earned the Gold Glove Award for 12 consecutive seasons from 1961 through 1972. Roberto was also productive at the plate as his batting average was over .300 for 13 seasons and he had 3,000 hits during his major league career. He also was a two-time World Series champion. Roberto was the first player from the Caribbean and Latin America to win a World Series as a starting position player (1960), to receive an NL MVP Award (1966), and to receive a World Series MVP Award (1971).
Rube Waddell
Rube was also in 1902 set to play on Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics football team but decided against it. Mack later said, "There was a little fellow from Wanamaker's who asked for the job of quarterback. I don't think he weighed more than 140 [lbs]. Well, the first practice Waddell tackled him and broke his leg. It was the first inkling John [Shibe] and I had that players could be badly hurt in football. We got Rube out of there without delay. He was supposed to be pretty good, but we never found out." Waddell returned to his family's home in Pennsylvania and played with local football clubs there. He played with various football teams in his later years and had a brief stint as a goalkeeper in the St. Louis Soccer League
Ralph Kiner
Fred Clarke
Bill McKechnie
Pie Traynor
How does one get a nickname like "Pie." For Traynor, it was because, as a child, every time he entered the local grocer with his mother, the youngster would ask for a piece of pie.
Honus Wagner
Jake Beckley
Deacon White - Early Baseball HOF 3rd Baseman
Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Team History
From Humble Beginnings to World Series Glory: Our voyage begins in 1882, when the team set sail as the "Alleghenys," navigating their early years with grit and determination. Soon, they earned the nickname "Pirates," embracing the spirit of their city's bustling steel industry. We'll chart their course through early triumphs, including their first World Series title in 1909, led by the legendary Honus Wagner.
Golden Eras and Defining Moments: Buckle up for an exciting journey through the team's defining moments. We'll explore the "Golden Age" of the 1960s and 1970s, where stars like Bill Mazeroski, Roberto Clemente, and Willie Stargell steered the ship towards World Series victories in 1960, 1971, and 1979. Each victory comes with its own thrilling story, each defeat its own lesson learned.
Ups and Downs of the Modern Era: We won't shy away from the challenges the Pirates have faced in recent decades. From periods of rebuilding to the longest losing streak in professional sports history, the team has weathered some rough seas. However, we'll also celebrate the resilience of the fanbase, the emergence of young stars, and the unwavering hope for a return to glory.