PITTSBURGH - JUNE 03: A statue of Honus Wagner stands outside PNC Park before the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies on June 3, 2011 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Pirates were one of the first dynasties in the modern history of Major League Baseball, a team that has had some of the most legendary players of the game on their roster. Which of those players comprise their Mount Rushmore?
The Pittsburgh Pirates were the first dynasty in the modern era of Major League Baseball, but they came about their roster in questionable ways. The Pirates were build off of the remains of the Louisville Colonels, with majority of their top players, like Honus Wagner, Tommy Leach, Fred Clarke, and others, heading to Pittsburgh. The Pirates won four National League pennants in the first decade of the 20th century, and were a part of the first World Series in 1903. In 1909, they won their first World Series, defeating the Detroit Tigers.
After that season, the Pirates typically struggled. Over the next six decades, they made the playoffs three times, winning two more championships, including their amazing title in 1960. With his walkoff home run in Game Seven, Bill Mazeroski became a legend in Pittsburgh, and may well have made himself a Hall of Famer.
Those struggles were forgotten in the 1970s. The Pirates became a dynasty, one of the top teams in the National League. Typically facing off against the Reds own dynasty, Pittsburgh made the postseason six times, never finishing worse than third. The Pirates won two World Series titles that decade, taking home the championship in 1971 and 1979.
Although the 1980s were not as successful, the Pirates were back in the beginning of the 1990s. They made the postseason three times, but were never able to win that one game needed to return to the World Series. The Pirates have had the same struggles in recent times, returning to the postseason from 2013 through 2015. However, they were unable to get out of the Wild Card game in those final two years, leaving 1979 as their final championship.
During that time, the Pittsburgh Pirates have had quite a few stars in their lineup. Which of those players make up the franchise Mount Rushmore?
The heart and soul of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Willie Stargell was one of the most dangerous power hitters of his time.
Although he played in what was essentially the second dead ball era, Stargell was a fearsome slugger, hitting 20 or more homers 15 times. He was known for the way he twirled the bat in a circle while pointing it at the pitching, looking to intimidate the opposition. Yet, despite his presence in the batter’s box, Stargell was also known as one of the nicest players in the game.
A seven time All Star, Stargell finished in the top ten of the MVP vote six times before winning the award in 1979. His selection was controversial, as he was a part time player that year, producing only a .281/.352/.552 batting line while hitting 32 homers. However, his leadership, and his place on the ‘We Are Family’ Pirates tipped the scales in his favor with several voters.
Stargell spent his entire 21 year career with the Pirates, establishing himself as one of the best power hitters in franchise history. Overall, he had a .282/.360/.529 batting line, hitting 475 homers and driving in 1540 runs. He led the league in homers twice, and had ten seasons in the top ten in the league.
Willie Stargell was more than a great player for the Pittsburgh Pirates – he was the heart and soul of the team. He was a legend in every sense of the way.
A brilliant hitter, Paul Waner was not the type of person that one would imagine as a star baseball player.
One of the best players in the game during the late 1920s and into the 1930s, the Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder had several issues. First, he was severely near sighted, something that was discovered late in his career. Being outfitted with glasses hindered him, as he had gotten used to seeing a large fuzzy grapefruit sized object as the baseball. He also was a severe alcoholic, playing much better when drunk or hung over. Casey Stengel once said Waner was a very graceful player, as he could slide without breaking the flask on his hip.
Yet, even with those issues, Waner was a star. He finished in the top ten of the MVP vote five times, winning the award in 1927. Waner was a four time All Star, and won three batting titles, hitting under .300 only twice in his 15 years in Pittsburgh. He had eight seasons with 200 or more hits, leading the league in hits, doubles, and triples twice each.
Overall, the Pirates star right fielder produced a .340/.407/.490 batting line, hitting 558 doubles and 109 homers. He had some solid speed, stealing exactly 100 bases and hitting 187 triples. Waner was also a solid right fielder, ranking first all time in putouts and third in double plays. Considering that he could not really see the ball, his prowess in every aspect of the game was truly impressive.
Paul Waner was said to be the greatest right fielder in Pittsburgh Pirates history when he was sober. Then again, he was also said to be the second best right fielder in Pirates history when he was drunk. Either way, he was one of the greatest players to put on a Pirates uniform.
Not only was Roberto Clemente a great baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he was also an incredible humanitarian.
On the field, few players were in his class. He was a 15 time All Star, winning four batting titles and the 1966 NL MVP award. Clemente was one of the best defensive players in history, winning 12 consecutive Gold Gloves and ranking first in baseball history with 204 runs saved and 254 assists in right. He was a truly legendary player, a fan favorite who was a major influence on the Hispanic players that would come after him.
During his time in Pittsburgh, Clemente was one of the premier players in the game. He produced a lifetime .317/.359/.475 batting line, with exactly 3000 hits. He belted 440 doubles and 240 homers, with several of his home runs being the stuff of legends. Clemente may have only stole 83 bases, but his excellent speed was evident with his 166 triples.
Tragically, Clemente lost his life on December 31, 1972. He was known as a philanthropist, and after Nicaragua was hit by a devastating earthquake on December 23, was asked to help with the relief efforts. Clemente spearheaded the efforts, organizing virtually the entire organization. When he received news that the supplies from Puerto Rico were being taken by Somoza’s private guard. He decided to check to see if these rumors were true himself, and boarded a plane loaded with relief supplies. Sadly, the plane went down off the coast of Puerto Rico in a storm, and Clemente’s body was never found.
Roberto Clemente was a brilliant baseball player, but he was an even better human being. His legacy with the Pittsburgh Pirates will remain untouched.
Barrel chested and bow legged, Wagner did not look like a great ball player. However, his ability on the diamond was unsurpassed, with the legendary Giants manager John McGraw referring to him as the greatest player he had seen. He won eight batting titles, and was one of the premier power hitters of his time. Wagner led the league in slugging six times, and in triples three times.
He was also an impressive defensive player, capable of playing anywhere on the diamond. Wagner had above average range at every position, filling in everywhere but behind the plate. He even pitched in two games, striking out six and allowing five unearned runs in his 8.1 innings.
Overall, Wagner produced an impressive .328/.391/.467 batting line, with 3420 hits and 4980 total bases. He hit 643 doubles and 252 triples, impressive power numbers for the time. Wagner was also a brilliant base stealer, swiping 723 bases in his career, and leading the league five times. There was not much that Wagner could not do on the field. After his playing career, he was a long time coach, and the first player in team history to have his number retired.
One of the greatest shortstops in the history of the game, Honus Wagner was the greatest player in Pittsburgh Pirates history. In fact, he may well be the greatest player in the history of the game, regardless of position.
