19 Pirates Pittsburgh Remembers Without a Cooperstown Plaque

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Matthew Brown

Before PNC Park’s pristine views and before Three Rivers Stadium’s artificial turf, Pittsburgh baseball was built on the backs of extraordinary players who never got their due in Cooperstown. From the Forbes Field era to the modern day, these 19 Pirates stars left an indelible mark on the game, even if they’re missing baseball’s highest honor. Andrew McCutchen is not included because his professional career continued into 2026, but he deserves consideration of his own.

19. Dick Groat: MVP Shortstop of the ’60 Champs

The 1960 National League MVP led Pittsburgh to one of baseball’s most dramatic World Series victories. A hometown hero who also starred in basketball for Duke, Groat hit .325 during his MVP campaign while providing stellar defense at shortstop. His leadership during the Pirates’ magical 1960 season helped forge one of baseball’s greatest underdog stories.

Dick Groat — Career	Total
G	1929
AB	7484
H	2138
HR	39
RBI	707
SB	14
AVG	.286
OBP	.330
SLG	.366
OPS	.696
MVP	1
All-Star selections	5
World Series titles	2

18. Tony Pena: The Unconventional Catching Legend

Pena’s unique one-leg-extended catching stance revolutionized the position in the 1980s. The five-time All-Star won three of his four Gold Gloves with Pittsburgh while managing the Pirates’ pitching staff with exceptional skill. His enthusiasm and creative approach to catching influenced a generation of backstops who followed.

Tony Peña Sr. — Career	Total
G	1988
AB	6489
H	1687
HR	107
RBI	708
SB	80
AVG	.260
OBP	.309
SLG	.364
OPS	.673
All-Star selections	5
Gold Gloves	4

17. Rennie Stennett: Seven Hits in One Game

On September 16, 1975, Stennett did something no player had done since 1892 – collect seven hits in a nine-inning game. The Panamanian second baseman was a key piece of the Pirates’ championship teams, hitting .336 in 1977 before a devastating ankle injury altered his career trajectory. His record-setting performance remains one of baseball’s most remarkable achievements.

Rennie Stennett — Career	Total
G	1237
AB	4521
H	1239
HR	41
RBI	432
SB	75
AVG	.274
OBP	.306
SLG	.359
OPS	.665
World Series titles	1

16. Mike Easler: “The Hit Man” of the Family

A key member of the “We Are Family” Pirates, Easler’s sweet left-handed swing produced a .302 average in Pittsburgh. His breakthrough 1980 season (.338, 21 HR) showed what perseverance could achieve after he spent much of the previous decade fighting for a regular major league role. The Hit Man’s infectious smile and clutch batting made him a fan favorite at Three Rivers.

Mike Easler — Career	Total
G	1151
AB	3677
H	1078
HR	118
RBI	522
SB	20
AVG	.293
OBP	.349
SLG	.454
OPS	.803
All-Star selections	1
World Series titles	1

15. Jose Lind: “Chico” and His Golden Defense

“Chico” brought artistry to second base during Pittsburgh’s early ’90s division championship runs. His 1992 Gold Glove season featured countless acrobatic plays that left Three Rivers Stadium crowds breathless. Lind’s defensive wizardry alongside Jay Bell formed one of the most dynamic double-play combinations in Pirates history.

José Lind — Career	Total
G	1044
AB	3677
H	935
HR	9
RBI	324
SB	62
AVG	.254
OBP	.295
SLG	.316
OPS	.611
Gold Gloves	1

14. Kent Tekulve: The Submarine Master of the Bullpen

With his distinctive submarine delivery and wire-rim glasses, “Teke” became the face of Pirates relief pitching in the late 1970s. His three saves in the 1979 World Series sealed Pittsburgh’s last championship, while his 1,050 career appearances rank among the most all-time. The skinny right-hander proved that unorthodox could be effective.

Kent Tekulve — Career	Total
W	94
L	90
ERA	2.85
G	1050
IP	1436.2
SO	779
WHIP	1.25
SV	184
All-Star selections	1
World Series titles	1

13. Dave Cash: Mr. “Two Hits a Day”

Cash’s motto was “Two hits a day keeps the manager away,” and he lived up to it during his Pirates tenure. The steady second baseman helped bridge the gap between Bill Mazeroski and Rennie Stennett, providing reliable defense and consistent offense. His trade to Philadelphia after the 1973 season remains one of Pittsburgh’s great “what-if” moments.

Dave Cash — Career	Total
G	1422
AB	5554
H	1571
HR	21
RBI	426
SB	120
AVG	.283
OBP	.334
SLG	.358
OPS	.692
All-Star selections	3
World Series titles	1

12. Manny Sanguillen: Three-Time All-Star Behind the Plate

Sanguillen’s infectious smile and bad-ball hitting ability made him a beloved figure in Pittsburgh. The Panamanian catcher hit .299 over his Pirates career and was the rare backstop who could bat second in the lineup. His work behind the plate for the 1971 champions and his veteran role on the 1979 title team proved as valuable as his bat.

Manny Sanguillen — Career	Total
G	1448
AB	5062
H	1500
HR	65
RBI	585
SB	36
AVG	.296
OBP	.326
SLG	.398
OPS	.724
All-Star selections	3
World Series titles	2

11. Bob Friend: The Workhorse of Forbes Field

Known as “The Warrior,” Friend led the major leagues in innings pitched in 1956 and 1957. Friend’s 277 career complete games seem impossible by today’s standards, and his 1,682 strikeouts stood as the Pirates’ record for years. The fact that he pitched for some terrible Pirates teams in the ’50s shouldn’t diminish his remarkable achievements.

Bob Friend — Career	Total
W	197
L	230
ERA	3.58
G	602
IP	3611.0
SO	1734
WHIP	1.29
SV	11
All-Star selections	3
World Series titles	1

10. Steve Blass: From World Series Hero to Baseball Mystery

Before “Steve Blass Disease” entered baseball’s lexicon, he was the hero of the 1971 World Series, pitching two complete-game victories, including Game 7. His sudden loss of control remains one of baseball’s great mysteries, but his 3.63 career ERA and clutch performances in Pittsburgh’s biggest moments tell the real story of his remarkable career.

Steve Blass — Career	Total
W	103
L	76
ERA	3.63
G	282
IP	1597.1
SO	896
WHIP	1.35
SV	2
All-Star selections	1
World Series titles	1

9. Jason Kendall: The Ironman Catcher Who Never Quit

Kendall redefined the catcher position with his unprecedented speed and durability. A three-time All-Star who caught over 2,000 games, he hit .306 over nine seasons with Pittsburgh while stealing 140 bases – unheard of numbers for a catcher. His brutal ankle injury in 1999 and remarkable comeback exemplified his warrior mentality.

Jason Kendall — Career	Total
G	2085
AB	7627
H	2195
HR	75
RBI	744
SB	189
AVG	.288
OBP	.366
SLG	.378
OPS	.744
All-Star selections	3

8. Andy Van Slyke: The Golden Centerfielder

Van Slyke’s diving catches in center field became the stuff of legend at Three Rivers Stadium. The five-time Gold Glove winner combined spectacular defense with a potent bat, hitting .283 with 117 home runs in eight seasons with Pittsburgh. His backward cap and all-out style of play embodied the blue-collar spirit of Pittsburgh baseball in the early 1990s.

Andy Van Slyke — Career	Total
G	1658
AB	5711
H	1562
HR	164
RBI	792
SB	245
AVG	.274
OBP	.349
SLG	.443
OPS	.792
All-Star selections	3
Gold Gloves	5
Silver Sluggers	2

7. Bill Madlock: “Mad Dog” and His Four Batting Titles

“Mad Dog” arrived in Pittsburgh in 1979 and immediately helped the Pirates capture a World Series title. Madlock hit .297 over seven seasons with Pittsburgh, and his fierce competitive spirit endeared him to fans. He won two of his four National League batting titles as a Pirate.

Bill Madlock — Career	Total
G	1806
AB	6594
H	2008
HR	163
RBI	860
SB	174
AVG	.305
OBP	.365
SLG	.442
OPS	.807
All-Star selections	3
World Series titles	1

6. Richie Zisk: Three Rivers’ Forgotten Slugger

In the mid-1970s, Zisk’s powerful right-handed bat struck fear into opposing pitchers. Zisk became a Pittsburgh favorite, hitting .299 with 69 home runs over six seasons with the Pirates. His clutch hitting and reliable presence in the middle of the lineup helped define an era of Pirates baseball that bridged the gap between Clemente and the “We Are Family” crew.

Richie Zisk — Career	Total
G	1453
AB	5144
H	1477
HR	207
RBI	792
SB	8
AVG	.287
OBP	.353
SLG	.466
OPS	.819
All-Star selections	2

5. John Candelaria: The Candy Man’s Sweet Legacy

The towering left-hander from Brooklyn gave Pirates fans something sweet to remember on August 9, 1976: the first no-hitter ever pitched at Three Rivers Stadium. Standing 6’7″, Candelaria dominated hitters with his imposing presence and devastating slider, compiling a career 3.33 ERA over 19 seasons. His 1977 campaign (20-5, 2.34 ERA) remains one of the finest pitching seasons in Pirates history.

John Candelaria — Career	Total
W	177
L	122
ERA	3.33
G	600
IP	2525.2
SO	1673
WHIP	1.18
SV	29
All-Star selections	1
World Series titles	1

4. Al Oliver: Baseball’s Most Underrated .300 Hitter

“Scoop” Oliver’s sweet left-handed swing was poetry in motion. He produced seven All-Star appearances and a lifetime .303 batting average. From 1968 to 1977, he was Pittsburgh’s model of consistency, whether manning first base or patrolling the outfield. His 2,743 career hits speak to a level of excellence that somehow slipped through Cooperstown’s cracks.

Al Oliver — Career	Total
G	2368
AB	9049
H	2743
HR	219
RBI	1326
SB	84
AVG	.303
OBP	.344
SLG	.451
OPS	.795
All-Star selections	7
Silver Sluggers	3
World Series titles	1

3. Omar Moreno: The Speed Demon of Three Rivers

When Omar Moreno took off for second base, Three Rivers Stadium held its breath. The Panamanian speedster led the National League in stolen bases twice, including 77 steals in 1979. His legs helped power the “We Are Family” Pirates to their last World Series title, while his center field defense turned sure hits into routine outs.

Omar Moreno — Career	Total
G	1382
AB	4992
H	1257
HR	37
RBI	386
SB	487
AVG	.252
OBP	.306
SLG	.343
OPS	.649
World Series titles	1

2. Roy Face: The Original Relief Ace

Before closers became household names, ElRoy Face pioneered the role with his devastating forkball and remarkable durability. In 1959, he posted an astounding 18-1 record as a reliever, including a streak of 17 consecutive victories. The diminutive right-hander’s 193 saves might seem modest by today’s standards, but Face revolutionized relief pitching when starters were expected to finish what they started.

Roy Face — Career	Total
W	104
L	95
ERA	3.48
G	848
IP	1375.0
SO	877
WHIP	1.24
SV	193
All-Star selections	3
World Series titles	1

1. Barry Bonds: Before the Giants, Pittsburgh’s MVP

Before San Francisco’s home run chase, Pittsburgh witnessed the birth of a legend. The lean, speedy Bonds patrolled left field with graceful efficiency, stealing bases and gunning down runners with equal precision. During his Pirates years (1986-1992), he claimed two MVP awards, three Gold Gloves, and showed off the rare combination of power and speed that would define his career.

Barry Bonds — Career	Total
G	2986
AB	9847
H	2935
HR	762
RBI	1996
SB	514
AVG	.298
OBP	.444
SLG	.607
OPS	1.051
MVP	7
All-Star selections	14
Gold Gloves	8
Silver Sluggers	12

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