Introduction to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Baseball Record
The Pittsburgh Pirates have an impressive history in Major League Baseball (MLB) that dates back to 1881. The Pirates are one of the oldest teams in the National League (NL) and are considered to be one of the most successful franchises in the history of baseball. Over the years, the Pirates have won five World Series titles and nine NL pennants. In addition, they’ve won six division titles, made two Wild Card appearances, and have qualified for the playoffs a total of 12 times.
A Brief History of the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates were founded in 1881 as the Allegheny Base Ball Club. The team joined the NL in 1887 and changed its name to the Pittsburgh Alleghenys. In 1890, the Alleghenys changed their name to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the rest is history.
The Pirates have seen some of the sport’s greatest players in their history, including Hall of Famers such as Bill Mazeroski, Willie Stargell, Roberto Clemente, and Honus Wagner. The Pirates have also seen some of the greatest managers in the game, including Bill McKechnie, Chuck Tanner, and Jim Leyland.
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Wins and Losses
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a total of 8,631 wins and 8,678 losses. This puts their overall winning percentage at .497. The Pirates have had a few very successful seasons in their history, including the 1979 season when they won the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles. In addition, the Pirates have won their division five times (1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, and 1990).
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Playoff Record
The Pittsburgh Pirates have had 12 playoff appearances in their history. They have won five World Series titles (1909, 1925, 1960, 1971, and 1979), nine NL pennants (1901, 1902, 1903, 1909, 1925, 1927, 1960, 1971, and 1979), and six division titles (1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1990, and 1991).
The Pirates were also involved in an infamous Wild Card play-in game against the San Francisco Giants in 1998. The Pirates were leading 4-1 in the ninth inning when the Giants scored five runs to win the game and the Wild Card berth.
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Recent Performance
The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled in recent years, having not made the playoffs since 1992. The Pirates have posted a losing record in each of their last two decades, with their worst season being in 2010 when they finished with a 57-105 record.
The Pirates have shown some signs of improvement in recent years, but they still have a long way to go. The team is currently in the midst of rebuilding and is hoping to make the playoffs in the near future.
Pittsburgh Pirates’ All-Time Leaders
The Pittsburgh Pirates have had some of the greatest players in the history of baseball. Here is a list of the Pirates’ all-time leaders in various statistical categories:
- Batting Average: Roberto Clemente (.317)
- Home Runs: Willie Stargell (475)
- RBIs: Ralph Kiner (1,105)
- Stolen Bases: Max Carey (738)
- Wins: Wilbur Cooper (215)
- Saves: Kent Tekulve (244)
- Strikeouts:Bob Veale (1,540)
Famous Moments in Pittsburgh Pirates History
The Pittsburgh Pirates have had some of the most memorable and iconic moments in baseball history. Here are some of the most famous moments in Pirates history:
- Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run to win the 1960 World Series.
- Roberto Clemente’s 3000th hit.
- Willie Stargell’s “We Are Family” Pirates winning the 1979 World Series.
- The “Fog Game” in 1975 when the Pirates and Reds played through a thick fog.
- The “Million Dollar Arm” game in 1998 when the Pirates beat the Braves in extra innings.
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Hall of Famers
The Pittsburgh Pirates have had some of the greatest players in baseball history who have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. These Pirates Hall of Famers include:
- Roberto Clemente
- Bill Mazeroski
- Honus Wagner
- Pie Traynor
- Willie Stargell
- Ralph Kiner
- Arky Vaughan
- Goose Gossage
- Chuck Klein
- Barry Bonds
- Dave Parker
- Paul Waner
- Bill McKechnie
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a long and storied history in Major League Baseball. The Pirates have won five World Series titles and nine NL pennants, and they have had some of the most iconic players and moments in the history of the sport. The Pirates have also had a number of Hall of Famers and have seen some of the greatest managers in the game. Despite the team’s recent struggles, the Pirates are hoping for a return to glory in the near future.