Sunday, November 16, 2014

This Week in Pittsburgh Pirates History - November 16-22

This week in Pittsburgh Pirates history -


1966 East Hills Roberto Clemente
November 16

1966      Edging out Dodger hurler Sandy Koufax (27-9, 1.73, 317 strikeouts), Roberto Clemente is named the National League MVP. The Pirates right fielder hit .317 with 29 home runs and drove in 119 runs.


November 17

1960      After leading the the league with a .325 average, 30-year old Pirates shortstop Dick Groat is selected as the National League's Most Valuable Player, with Don Hoak, his partner on the left side of the Bucs' infield, being the runner-up to the award. Another teammate, right-fielder Roberto Clemente, is very disappointed being named eighth on the ballot.

2000      Pittsburgh catcher Jason Kendall signs the richest deal in Pirates' history. The $60 million, six-year contract extension, which includes a $4 million signing bonus, starts with a base salary of $6 million in 2002 and peaks at $13 million in 2007.


1887 Jake Beckley Old Judge
November 18

1886      The Pittsburgh Alleghenys leave the American Association to join the National League. After a few name changes, including the Innocents, the team will become known as the Pirates in 1891.


November 19

1962      The Cardinals trade pitcher Don Cardwell and infielder Julio Gotay to the Pirates for shortstop Dick Groat and pitcher Diomedes Olivio. The Redbirds' new infielder will become a central cog in the team's World championship in 1964.

1990      Being named first on 23 of 24 ballots cast by the writers with the other first-place vote being garnered by teammate Bobby Bonilla, Pirates' outfielder Barry Bonds (.301, 23, 114) easily wins the National League Most Valuable Player Award. The future all-time home run king will win an unprecedented seven MVPs, five while playing with the Giants.

2001      In a landslide vote (30 of 32 first-place votes) by the BBWAA, Giants' left fielder Barry Bonds (.328, 137, 73) wins the Most Valuable Player Award for an unprecedented fourth time (1990, 92-93 with the Pirates). Three-time MVPs include Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Joe DiMaggio, Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial and Mike Schmidt.


November 20

1985      Jim Leyland, who will become a mainstay in the Bucs' dugout for 11 seasons, replaces Chuck Tanner as the manager of the Pirates. Pittsburgh finished in last place this season, compiling a woeful record of 57-104.


November 21

1991      After raising his batting average over 80 points from last season, Terry Pendleton (.319, 22, 86) wins the National League's Most Valuable Player Award. The Braves' third baseman surprisingly out-distances runner-up Pirate outfielder Barry Bonds (.292, 25, 116).


1936 Jim Weaver with the Waner brothers
November 22

1934      The Cubs trade Guy Bush, Jim Weaver, and Babe Herman to the Pirates for Larry French and Fred Lindstrom.

1954      The Pirates purchase the contract of Roberto Clemente from Montreal, the Dodgers’ AAA farm club.

1977      The Yankees sign free-agent Rich 'Goose' Gossage to a six-year 2.75 million dollar contract. The future Hall of Famer closer had 26 saves and a 1.26 ERA for the Pirates last season.

1977      Terry Forster, the American League saves leader in 1974 with the White Sox, signs a big contract with the Dodgers becoming the team's first free agent. Last season, the southpaw compiled a 6-4 record with a 4.43 ERA pitching for the Pirates and will post an 11-13 record during his 5 years in Los Angeles.



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