The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History

David Finoli

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a vast and celebrated history dating back to 1887, winning five World Championships and nine National League pennants since their inception. Many baseball legends have called Pittsburgh home, including Hall of Famers Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Paul Waner, and Arky Vaughan. Although the Pirates have had their fair share of losing seasons, recent postseason appearances have brought life back into this storied franchise.

The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History celebrates the best to ever wear a Pirate uniform. David Finoli carefully and diligently ranks the Steel City icons based on statistics, awards, achievements, and postseason success. Each entry includes biographical information, accomplishments, and recaps of the player’s greatest moments. In addition to stories of glory on the field, Finoli also shares important events that took place away from the diamond, such as Roberto Clemente personally bringing supplies to earthquake-ravaged Nicaragua, a selfless act that led to his tragic death.

Two concluding chapters cover the ten Pirates who almost made the cut and the players who went on to greatness after leaving the Pittsburgh organization. More than 25 photographs throughout the book enhance the rankings of these Pittsburgh legends. Sure to inspire debate and controversy among Pirate fans old and new, The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History isan engaging look at the many players who have been a part of the franchise’s long and memorable history.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 354 • Trim: 6¼ x 9⅜

978-1-4422-5870-9 • Hardback • March 2016 • $50.00 • (£38.00)

978-1-4422-5871-6 • eBook • March 2016 • $47.50 • (£37.00)

Series: 50 Greatest Players

Subjects: Sports & Recreation / Baseball / History, Sports & Recreation / Baseball / Reference, Sports & Recreation / Baseball / Statistics

The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History

Hardback

eBook

Summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a vast and celebrated history dating back to 1887, winning five World Championships and nine National League pennants since their inception. Many baseball legends have called Pittsburgh home, including Hall of Famers Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Paul Waner, and Arky Vaughan. Although the Pirates have had their fair share of losing seasons, recent postseason appearances have brought life back into this storied franchise.

The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History celebrates the best to ever wear a Pirate uniform. David Finoli carefully and diligently ranks the Steel City icons based on statistics, awards, achievements, and postseason success. Each entry includes biographical information, accomplishments, and recaps of the player’s greatest moments. In addition to stories of glory on the field, Finoli also shares important events that took place away from the diamond, such as Roberto Clemente personally bringing supplies to earthquake-ravaged Nicaragua, a selfless act that led to his tragic death.

Two concluding chapters cover the ten Pirates who almost made the cut and the players who went on to greatness after leaving the Pittsburgh organization. More than 25 photographs throughout the book enhance the rankings of these Pittsburgh legends. Sure to inspire debate and controversy among Pirate fans old and new, The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History isan engaging look at the many players who have been a part of the franchise’s long and memorable history.

Details

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 354 • Trim: 6¼ x 9⅜

978-1-4422-5870-9 • Hardback • March 2016 • $50.00 • (£38.00)

978-1-4422-5871-6 • eBook • March 2016 • $47.50 • (£37.00)

Series: 50 Greatest Players

Subjects: Sports & Recreation / Baseball / History, Sports & Recreation / Baseball / Reference, Sports & Recreation / Baseball / Statistics

Author

David Finoli is a sports historian and author whose many books include The Pittsburgh Pirates Encyclopedia (2003), The Pittsburgh Pirates (2005), Classic Bucs: The 50 Greatest Games in Pittsburgh Pirates History (2013), and Classic Steelers: The 50 Greatest Games in Pittsburgh Steeler History (2014). Finoli has also contributed to Pittsburgh Magazine and BaseballDigest.com, among others. He has been a member of the Society for American Baseball Research since 1999.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Rankings
Chapter 1: Honus Wagner
Chapter 2: Roberto Clemente
Chapter 3: Paul Waner
Chapter 4: Willie Stargell
Chapter 5: Ralph Kiner
Chapter 6: Dave Parker
Chapter 7: Barry Bonds
Chapter 8: Joseph Vaughan
Chapter 9: Harold Traynor
Chapter 10: Charles Adams
Chapter 11: Andrew McCutchen
Chapter 12: Max Carey
Chapter 13: Bill Mazeroski
Chapter 14: Lloyd Waner
Chapter 15: Wilbur Cooper
Chapter 16: Fred Clarke
Chapter 17: Roy Face
Chapter 18: Sam Leever
Chapter 19: Deacon Phillippe
Chapter 20: Hazen Cuyler
Chapter 21: Ray Kremer
Chapter 22: Vern Law
Chapter 23: Bob Friend
Chapter 24: Andy Van Slyke
Chapter 25: Dick Groat
Chapter 26: Clarence Beaumont
Chapter 27: Tommy Leach
Chapter 28: Al Oliver
Chapter 29: Jesse Tannehill
Chapter 30: Doug Drabek
Chapter 31: Brian Giles
Chapter 32: John Candelaria
Chapter 33: Vic Willis
Chapter 34: Manny Sanguillen
Chapter 35: Kent Tekulve
Chapter 36: Bobby Bonilla
Chapter 37: Bill Madlock
Chapter 38: Truett Sewell
Chapter 39: Matty Alou
Chapter 40: Frank Killen
Chapter 41: Howie Camnitz
Chapter 42: Glenn Wright
Chapter 43: Elmer Smith
Chapter 44: Jason Kendall
Chapter 45: Gus Suhr
Chapter 46: Tony Pena
Chapter 47: Frank Thomas
Chapter 48: George Grantham
Chapter 49: Steve Blass
Chapter 50: Jason Bay
On the Outside Looking In: The Next 10 Pittsburgh Pirates
What Could Have Been: The 10 Pittsburgh Pirates Who Became Stars after They Left
Notes
Bibliography
Index
About the Author

Reviews

Grab some baseball buddies, pour yourself some cold beverages and get ready for a healthy debate. Clemente over Bonds? Stargell or Kiner? Where does Cutch fit in? Bottom line: Finoli has done it again with a rankings book that will have you talking all things Bucs. And there are no Doug Froebels or Jimmy Andersons in sight!
— Chris Fletcher, former publisher and editor of Pittsburgh magazine and coauthor of The Steel City 500 and Steel City Gridirons

There have been many debates as to who are the best players in Pittsburgh Pirates history and in this book David Finoli hits a home run with his rankings. From Honus Wagner to the “original” Frank Thomas he’s got them all here. Let the debates begin!
— Bill Ranier, coauthor of The Pittsburgh Pirates Encyclopedia and When the Bucs Won it All

The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History

David Finoli

The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History

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