The Greatest Pittsburgh Pirates Players of All Time

Facts verified July 2026.

Who is the greatest Pittsburgh Pirates player of all time?

By the measure of championships, individual honors, and lasting impact, Roberto Clemente tops most all-time Pittsburgh Pirates rankings. The full top 5 follows.

1. Roberto Clemente RF \u00b7 1955–1972

   The greatest and most beloved Pirate of all time. Clemente collected exactly 3,000 hits, won four batting titles and 12 Gold Gloves for his legendary arm, and led Pittsburgh to two World Series titles, winning the 1971 MVP. His humanitarian legacy and tragic death make him a figure who transcends the sport.

2. Honus Wagner SS \u00b7 1900–1917

   'The Flying Dutchman' is one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history and a member of the inaugural Hall of Fame class. He won eight batting titles and led the Pirates to the 1909 World Series championship. His T206 baseball card is the most famous and valuable in the world.

3. Willie Stargell LF/1B \u00b7 1962–1982

   'Pops' was the heart and soul of the 'We Are Family' 1979 champions, sharing NL MVP honors that season at age 39. The franchise's all-time home run and RBI leader, his towering power and beloved leadership made him one of the most cherished figures in Pittsburgh sports history.

4. Barry Bonds LF \u00b7 1986–1992

   Before his controversial later career, Bonds was a dynamic five-tool star in Pittsburgh, winning two NL MVP awards and leading the Pirates to three straight division titles. His combination of power, speed, and defense in those years was among the best in the game.

5. Ralph Kiner LF \u00b7 1946–1953

   One of the great sluggers of the postwar era, Kiner led or tied for the National League home run title in each of his first seven seasons — a record streak. Though his Pirates teams struggled, his prodigious power made him a gate attraction and a Hall of Famer.

More Pittsburgh Pirates: Greatest Players · Schedule · Latest News