The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History

Product Description

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 is an engaging look at the many players who have been a part of the franchise’s long and memorable history.

Review

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

About the 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.