Pittsburgh Pirates
On September I6th, 1975 in a 22-0 rout of the Chicago Cubs, Rennie Stennet became just the Second player to ever go 7 for 7 during a 9 inning game. He joined Wilbert Robinson, who accomplished the feat in 1892.
Stennet was also the leadoff hitter playing second base for the Pirates on September Its, I97I when they fielded the first all black starting lineup in MLB History.
Stennett Enters Record Books by Ryan Turnquist
Alrighty Dudes. We’re starting off the Weekend with an awesome Dock Ellis Print Set. Designs came from some of our favorite Blaze Posts of the Past on the Pirates Pitcher. Each print measures 7” x 9” and is a hand pulled Gel Transfer Print on Watercolor paper (140lb/300g/m) Stop on in the Blaze Shop and pick yourself up this 3 piece set.
On September 1st, 1971 the Pittsburgh Pirates fielded the first all African American & Latino starting lineup in MLB History during a 10-7 victory over cross state rival Philadelphia. Leading off and playing second base, was Rennie Stennett; batting second and playing center field, Gene Clines; batting third and playing right field, Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente; batting cleanup and playing left field, ‘Pop's’ himself Willie Stargell; batting fifth and doing the catching, Manny Sanguillen; batting sixth and playing third base, Dave Cash; batting seventh and playing first base, Al ‘Scoop’ Oliver; batting eighth and playing shortstop, Jackie Hernandez; and batting ninth and pitching, Dock Ellis. The Pirates went on to win the World Series in 1971.
Barry Bonds went 0 for 5 with 3 strike outs in his MLB Debut back on May 30th, 1986. The Pirates centerfielder went on to hit .223 with 16 homers, 48 r.b.i, while stealing 36 bases during the 113 games of his rookie year. It was also the only season he wore the #7 jersey before switching to # 24 to honor his Godfather Willie Mays.
On May 14th, 1989 Benny Distefano of the Pittsburgh Pirates switched positions from 1B to Catcher for the top of the ninth inning of a 5-2 Buccos loss to the Atlanta Braves. The change was significant because Benny became the 1st left hander to get behind the plate since Mike Squires, a White Sox first basemen, caught a couple of innings back in 1980. Benny caught six innings for the Pirates during that 1989 season, and is currently the last lefty to play catcher in the big leagues.
Puzzle of Willie Stargell from 1991 Donruss Baseball Cards. Anybody else finished this puzzle?
Happy 70 to Old ‘Scrap Iron’ Phil Garner. 1977 was Phil’s best statistical season when he totaled 17 homers, 77 rbi’s and stole 32 bases. In the ‘79 World Series he batted .500 (12-24) for the champion Pittsburgh Pirates.
