Pirate Firsts

Last Updated 5 May 2001

1887:

The Pittsburgh Alleghenies joined the National League.

1890:

The rival Player's League folds. Former National League players were supposed to return to their previous teams. Pittsburgh signs Louis Bierbauer, a former member of the Philadelphia A's. Pittsburgh was accused of "Pirating" the player. The team adopted the new name and became known as the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1903:

The Pirates play the Boston Pilgrims in the first World Series. Pirate President Barney Dreyfuss is known as the "Father of the World Series". First World Series game in a National League city; Oct 6, 1903.

1905:

Honus Wagner was the first player to have his signature branded into a Louisville Slugger: September 1905

1906:

The Pirates are the first club to cover their field with a tarp. May 6, 1906

1909:

Forbes Field is the first NL ball park to be constructed of all concrete and steel. First game: June 30, 1909. (Shibe Park in Philadelphia opened earlier that year and was the first concrete and steel ball park in the majors)

1914:

Honus Wagner collects his 3,000th hit on June 9th and becomes the first modern ballplayer to amass that many hits.

1921:

KDKA radio broadcasts the first major league baseball game. Pirates vs Phillies; August 5, 1921. Pirates win 8-5.

1936:

Honus Wagner becomes a member of the first class to be elected to Baseball' s Hall of Fame. The other original members were Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson.

1938:

The Pirates add a set of third deck seats to Forbes Field. The "Crow's Nest" could be reached by an elevator - the first in a Major League ballpark.

1941:

Arky Vaughan becomes the first player to hit 2 homeruns in the same All Star Game.

1944:

The first night All Star Game in Baseball History is played at Forbes Field.

1950:

The Pirates play in the first night opener in Major League history against the Cardinals in St Louis. April 18, 1950.

1953:

The Pirates are the first Major League club to use batting helmets. They also become the first Major League team to use green foam rubber crash pads on the outfield walls.

1960:

Bill Mazeroski becomes the first player to decide a World Series with a Home Run in the 7th Game. Maz's Home Run off Yankee's Ralph Terry is arguably one of the greatest moments in World Series history. Recently, the Blue Jays' Joe Carter decided the 1993 World Series in the 6th Game with a 9th inning Home Run.

1967:

With Lloyd's induction, the Waner brothers (Paul and Lloyd) become the only brothers to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

1970:

With the opening of Three Rivers Stadium, on July 16, the Pirates become the first team to wear knit-style uniforms. Here is a link to some pictures of Pirate uniforms at the Hall of Fame. Three Rivers also hosted the first playoff game ever played on artificial turf later in the year.

1971:

The first night World Series Game is played at Three Rivers Stadium.

1973:

After his tragic death on New Year's Eve, Roberto Clemente is enshrined in the Hall of Fame. He is the 1st Latin player elected to the Hall.

1975:

Three Rivers Stadium hosted the first night League Championship Series game October 7, 1975 (vs the Reds).

Which franchise boasts the most batting champions?
The Pirates do with 24 batting crowns.

Or, look on the Official team page for a Historical Timeline.

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