MLB history: Celebrating Pi Day throughout the game

Players named Pi (or Pie)

Three players in MLB history have been named either Pi or Pie. That number is sort of fitting.

The first of those three was Pi Schwert. A little used catcher for the New York Yankees, Schwert appeared in 12 games over two seasons. He did show a bit of pop in his brief time in the majors, as three of his five hits were doubles, and drove in six runs. However, Schwert also struck out nine times in 27 plate appearances. He went back to the minors for a few seasons before going into politics, where he was elected to Congress in 1938. Schwert served until his passing just three years later.

Next came Pie Traynor, who easily had the best career of the three players. He had a distinguished 17 year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, appearing in the first two All Star Games and finishing in the top ten of the MVP vote six times. He produced a lifetime .320/.364/.435 batting line with 371 doubles and 164 triples, but was best known for his defense. Traynor was considered the best third baseman of the early part of the 1900s, a stellar defensive player who still ranks in the top 30 in putouts, assists, and double plays at the position. For his efforts, Traynor was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1948.

After Traynor took his last at bat in 1937, the game had to wait another 70 years for another Pie to appear. This time, it was Felix Pie, a former top prospect for the Chicago Cubs. Although he spent six seasons in the majors with Chicago, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh, Pie never established himself. He ended his time in the majors with a .246/.295/.369 batting line over 1082 plate appearances, hitting 17 homers and stealing 21 bases. Pie has spent the last few years in international leagues, playing in Korea, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

Honorable mention to Sandy Piez, who spent 37 games with the New York Giants in 1914, primarily serving as a pinch runner.