Pittsburgh Pirates

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1882

  • Original Name/City: Pittsburgh Alleghenys

  • Current Ballpark: PNC Park

  • World Series Titles: 5 (1909, 1925, 1960, 1971, 1979)

  • Franchise Nicknames: The Bucs, The Buccos

A History of the Pittsburgh Pirates

One of baseball's oldest and most storied franchises, the team was founded in 1882 as the Pittsburgh Alleghenys before officially becoming the Pirates in 1891. The team's first superstar was Honus Wagner, a legendary shortstop who is still considered one of the greatest players of all time.

Wagner led the Pirates to the first-ever World Series in 1903 (a loss) and their first championship in 1909. For over half a century, the Pirates played in historic Forbes Field, the site of another one of baseball's most iconic moments.

That moment came in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, when second baseman Bill Mazeroski hit a dramatic, walk-off home run to defeat the mighty New York Yankees, still the only Game 7 walk-off homer in World Series history.

The 1970s brought another golden era, this one defined by the graceful presence of superstar right fielder Roberto Clemente and the powerful, paternal leadership of Willie "Pops" Stargell. This group won the World Series in 1971 and again in 1979 with the "We Are Family" team. The death of Clemente in a plane crash on a humanitarian mission in 1972 remains a profound and defining moment of tragic heroism for the franchise and all of baseball.

After a successful run in the early 1990s led by a young Barry Bonds, the franchise endured two decades of losing seasons. The team moved into PNC Park in 2001, a ballpark widely hailed as one of the most beautiful in the sport. A brief return to contention came in the 2010s, led by superstar Andrew McCutchen, who brought excitement back to the Steel City and its passionate fanbase.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1882: Founded as the Pittsburgh Alleghenys.

  • 1891: Renamed the Pittsburgh Pirates.

  • 1909: Won their first World Series.

  • 1960: Won the World Series on Bill Mazeroski's walk-off home run.

  • 1970: Moved into Three Rivers Stadium.

  • 1971: Won their fourth World Series.

  • 1979: The "We Are Family" team wins the franchise's fifth World Series.

  • 2001: Moved into their current home, PNC Park.

Legendary Players

Honus Wagner (1900-1917)

  • "The Flying Dutchman" was a shortstop of legendary ability and the first true superstar in the National League. An inaugural member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, he won eight batting titles and led the Pirates to their first championship. His T206 baseball card is the most valuable in the world.

Roberto Clemente (1955-1972)

  • Clemente played with a unique grace and fire, becoming one of the most revered figures in sports history. A sublime right fielder with a cannon arm, he collected exactly 3,000 hits and won the 1971 World Series MVP. His heroic death while delivering aid to earthquake victims solidified his legendary humanitarian status.

Willie Stargell (1962-1982)

  • Known affectionately as "Pops," Stargell was the heart and soul of the 1970s Pirates. The powerful slugger was the unquestioned leader of the 1971 and 1979 World Series teams. In 1979, he had a remarkable season, winning the NLCS MVP, World Series MVP, and sharing the regular-season NL MVP award.

Andrew McCutchen (2009-2017, 2023-Present)

  • "Cutch" was the face of the Pirates' revival in the 21st century. The dynamic five-tool centerfielder won the 2013 NL MVP award and led the franchise to three consecutive postseason appearances, breaking a 20-year losing streak and re-energizing the city's love for the team.