Pittsburgh Pirates Explained: Traditions, Logo & History

Why is Roberto Clemente so revered?

Roberto Clemente was a transcendent player and humanitarian.

He collected exactly 3,000 hits, won four batting titles and 12 Gold Gloves, and was the 1966 NL MVP. Beyond baseball, he died in a 1972 plane crash while delivering earthquake relief supplies to Nicaragua. Major League Baseball's annual humanitarian award bears his name, and his No. 21 is honored throughout the sport. He remains an icon of dignity and generosity.

What was Bill Mazeroski's famous home run?

In Game 7 of the 1960 World Series against the heavily favored Yankees, second baseman Bill Mazeroski led off the bottom of the ninth in a 9-9 tie and hit a walk-off home run over the left-field wall at Forbes Field.

It remains the only Game 7 walk-off home run in World Series history and one of the most dramatic moments the sport has ever produced.

What was the 'We Are Family' Pirates team?

The 1979 Pirates adopted Sister Sledge's disco hit 'We Are Family' as their anthem on the way to a World Series title.

Led by the fatherly Willie 'Pops' Stargell, who shared the NL MVP that season, the tight-knit, colorful club rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Orioles in seven games. The team's joyful identity made it one of the most fondly remembered champions in franchise history.

Why is PNC Park considered one of baseball's best ballparks?

PNC Park, opened in 2001 along the Allegheny River, is frequently ranked among the most beautiful ballparks in America.

Its intimate, two-deck design offers stunning views of the Pittsburgh skyline and the Roberto Clemente Bridge beyond the outfield. Despite lean years on the field, the ballpark itself is a celebrated destination.

What is the Roberto Clemente Bridge?

The Roberto Clemente Bridge, spanning the Allegheny River to PNC Park, was renamed in 1998 to honor the Pirates legend and humanitarian.

It is closed to traffic on game days so fans can walk across to the ballpark, a fitting daily tribute to a man remembered as much for his generosity as his Hall of Fame play.

Who were the 'Lumber Company'?

The 'Lumber Company' was the nickname for the hard-hitting Pirates lineups of the 1970s, led by Willie Stargell, that bashed their way to division titles and the 1971 and 1979 World Series championships.

The name celebrated the team's prodigious power at the plate during one of the most successful eras in franchise history.

Pittsburgh Pirates Records, Titles & Milestones

How many World Series titles have the Pittsburgh Pirates won?

The Pittsburgh Pirates have won 5 World Series titles (1909, 1925, 1960, 1971, 1979).

Do the Pittsburgh Pirates retire jersey numbers?

The Pirates retire numbers for franchise legends, honoring them at PNC Park.

Ring of Honor (9 members)

The Greatest Pittsburgh Pirates Players of All Time

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.