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 Pirates stars left an indelible mark on the game, even if they’re missing baseball’s highest honor. This will not include Andrew McCutchen as he is a current player (as of this writing), but he certainly deserves some limelight as well.
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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.
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.
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 three times, including a breathtaking 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.
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 1969 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.
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.
Richie Zisk: Three Rivers’ Forgotten Slugger
In the mid-1970s, Zisk’s powerful right-handed bat struck fear into opposing pitchers. The local kid from New Jersey became a Pittsburgh favorite, hitting .299 with 87 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.
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. His .323 batting average with the Pirates speaks volumes, but it was his fierce competitive spirit that endeared him to fans. Madlock’s four batting titles put him in elite company with Roberto Clemente and Honus Wagner among Pirates hitting royalty.
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 164 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.
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.
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 3.24 career ERA and clutch performances in Pittsburgh’s biggest moments tell the real story of his remarkable career.
Bob Friend: The Workhorse of Forbes Field
“The Warrior” earned his nickname by leading the National League in innings pitched three times during the 1950s and early ’60s. 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.
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 lifetime and was the rare backstop who could bat second in the lineup. His ability to handle the Pirates’ pitching staff during the 1971 and 1979 championship seasons proved as valuable as his bat.
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 departure via free agency in 1973 remains one of Pittsburgh’s great “what-if” moments.
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.
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.
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 – he’d spent 11 years in the minors before becoming a regular. The Hit Man’s infectious smile and clutch batting made him a fan favorite at Three Rivers.
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.
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 Gold Gloves while managing Pittsburgh’s pitching staff with exceptional skill. His enthusiasm and creative approach to catching influenced a generation of backstops who followed.
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.