History of Pittsburgh Pirates in Timeline

The Pittsburgh Pirates are a professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh, competing in MLB as part of the National League Central Division. Founded in 1881, they joined the National League in 1887. The Pirates have won five World Series championships, nine National League pennants, nine National League East division titles, and have appeared in the Wild Card Game three times.

1901: National League Pennants Win

In 1901, the Pittsburgh Pirates won one of three consecutive National League pennants.

1903: First Modern World Series at Exposition Park

In 1903, Exposition Park hosted the first modern World Series.

1903: First Modern World Series

In 1903, the Pittsburgh Pirates participated in the first modern World Series.

1903: Inaugural World Series Appearance

In 1903, the Pittsburgh Pirates played in the inaugural World Series.

1909: First World Series Title

In 1909, led by Honus Wagner, the Pittsburgh Pirates won their first World Series title.

1909: Move to Forbes Field and initial capacity

In 1909, the Pirates moved into Forbes Field in Oakland. The park cost $1 million and was the first three-tiered steel-and-concrete ballpark in the nation, with an initial capacity of 23,000.

1909: Pirates Played in the World Series

In 1909, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Detroit Tigers faced off in the World Series.

1909: Played at Forbes Field

The Pittsburgh Pirates played at Forbes Field from 1909.

1909: Move from Exposition Park

The Pittsburgh Pirates remained at Exposition Park until the middle of the 1909 season.

1912: Fenway Park's founding

Fenway Park, built in 1912, is the oldest stadium currently used by a major league team.

1912: Nickname Acknowledged on Uniforms

In 1912, the Pittsburgh Pirates' nickname was first acknowledged on the team's uniforms.

1912: First Acknowledgement of Team Name

In 1912, the team's name was first acknowledged, with a pinstripe jersey that had "Pirates" running vertically down the placket.

1914: Jackie Robinson Ballpark's founding

Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, which dates to 1914, is the second-oldest minor league park.

1917: Disastrous Season

In 1917, the Pittsburgh Pirates had a disastrous season with a 51–103 record.

1920: Demolition of Exposition Park

Exposition Park, the Pirates' former home, was razed prior to 1920.

August 5, 1921: First Baseball Game Broadcast Over Radio

On August 5, 1921, the Pittsburgh Pirates broadcasted the first baseball game over the radio on KDKA, with Harold Arlin announcing the game from Forbes Field.

1923: Construction of LECOM Park

LECOM Park was constructed in 1923.

1924: Brief Change to Black and Gold

In 1924, the Pirates had made a similar change to black and gold, but the change did not last beyond that season.

1925: Bill McKechnie leads the Pirates

In 1925, Bill McKechnie led the Pirates.

1925: Forbes Field capacity expanded

In 1925, Forbes Field's capacity was expanded to 41,000, almost double its initial capacity.

1925: Second World Series Title

In 1925, the Pittsburgh Pirates won their second World Series title.

1927: World Series Appearance

In 1927, the Pittsburgh Pirates returned to the World Series but were swept by the Murderer's Row Yankees.

1933: Team Name on Road Uniforms

In 1933, the team's name was added to the road uniforms, written horizontally in a more ornate style.

May 25, 1935: Babe Ruth's final home runs

On May 25, 1935, Forbes Field is remembered for hosting the final three home runs of Babe Ruth's career.

1936: Rosey Rowswell Joined Broadcast Team

In 1936, Rosey Rowswell joined the Pittsburgh Pirates broadcast team.

1936: Regular Broadcasts Began

In 1936, regular broadcasts of Pittsburgh Pirates games began on the radio, with Rosey Rowswell becoming the voice of the Pirates.

1938: Pennant Miss

In 1938, the Pittsburgh Pirates nearly won the pennant but were passed by the Chicago Cubs in the final week.

1938: Cubs Eliminate Pirates from Pennant Race

The Cubs eliminated the Pirates from the pennant race in the last week of the 1938 season.

1940: Pirate Head Image on Jerseys

For the 1940 season, an image of a pirate's head appeared on the home and road jerseys.

1941: Pirate Head Image on Jerseys

For the 1941 season, an image of a pirate's head appeared on the home and road jerseys.

1942: "Pittsburgh" Appears on Road Uniforms

In 1942, "Pittsburgh" first appeared on the road uniforms.

1947: Bob Prince Joined Rosey Rowswell in the Booth

In 1947, Bob Prince joined Rosey Rowswell in the Pittsburgh Pirates broadcast booth.

1948: Adoption of Black & Gold Color Scheme

In 1948, the team broke away from the patriotic "Red, White, & Blue" color scheme and adopted the current black & gold color scheme.

1948: Team Colors

Since 1948, the Pittsburgh Pirates' colors have been black, gold, and white.

1953: Milwaukee County Stadium

PNC Park was the first two-deck ballpark built in the United States since Milwaukee County Stadium opened in 1953.

February 1955: Bob Prince Lead Play-by-Play Man

In February 1955, Bob Prince became the lead play-by-play man for the Pittsburgh Pirates after Rosey Rowswell died.

1957: KDKA-TV Aired Pirates Games

From 1957, KDKA-TV aired Pittsburgh Pirates games for 38 years.

1960: Prince Called Championship

In 1960, Bob Prince called the Pittsburgh Pirates' championship as part of the national broadcast for NBC.

1960: Bill Mazeroski's championship-winning home run

In 1960, Forbes Field is remembered as the place where Bill Mazeroski hit a championship-winning home run in Game 7 of the World Series.

1960: World Series Win

In 1960, the Pittsburgh Pirates returned to the World Series, winning against the Yankees on a walk-off home run by Bill Mazeroski.

1961: Gene Baker Broke Color Line as Coach

In 1961, Gene Baker became the first African-American coach in baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1962: Gene Baker Broke Color Line as Manager

In 1962, Gene Baker became the first African-American manager in baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

September 21, 1963: Gene Baker First African-American Manager

On September 21, 1963, Gene Baker became the first African-American manager in MLB history, filling in for Danny Murtaugh for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1966: Green Weenie Creation

In 1966, Bob Prince created the Green Weenie.

1969: Teams Remain Together After Division Split

After the National League split into two divisions in 1969, the Phillies and the Pirates remained together.

1969: Joined National League East

In 1969, the Pittsburgh Pirates became a member of the National League East.

1969: Spring Training at LECOM Park begins

Since 1969, the Pirates have held Spring Training at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida.

1970: Move to Three Rivers Stadium and uniform changes

Coinciding with the move into Three Rivers Stadium in 1970, the team switched to a darker shade of gold and changed their caps from black to gold with a black brim. They also introduced pullover nylon/cotton jerseys and beltless pants as part of their new uniform set.

1970: Move to Three Rivers Stadium

In 1970, the Pirates moved into the multi-purpose Three Rivers Stadium, which they shared with the Steelers.

1970: National League East Win

In 1970, the Pittsburgh Pirates won the newly created National League East.

1970: Pirates leave Forbes Field

Midway through the 1970 season, the Pirates left Forbes Field.

September 1, 1971: Pirates First All-Minority Starting Lineup

On September 1, 1971, Pittsburgh Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh assembled a starting lineup composed entirely of minority players, a first in MLB history.

1971: Prince Called Championship

In 1971, Bob Prince called the Pittsburgh Pirates' championship as part of the national broadcast for NBC.

1971: Blass Won Game 7

In 1971, Steve Blass won Game 7 of the World Series.

1971: World Series Victory

In 1971, playing in the new Three Rivers Stadium, the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series, led by Roberto Clemente.

1971: First All-Black and Latino Lineup

On September 1, 1971, the Pittsburgh Pirates became the first team to field an all-Black and Latino lineup.

1972: National League East Win

The Pittsburgh Pirates won the newly created National League East in 1972.

1974: National League East Win

The Pittsburgh Pirates won the National League East in 1974.

1975: Prince and King Fired

In 1975, Bob Prince and his broadcast partner Nellie King were fired, drawing the ire of the Pittsburgh Pirates' fanbase.

1975: National League East Win

The Pittsburgh Pirates won the National League East in 1975.

1976: Hamilton and Frattare New Broadcast Team

In 1976, Milo Hamilton and Lanny Frattare took over as the new Pittsburgh Pirates broadcast team.

1976: National League's 100th Anniversary and Pillbox Hats

In 1976, to coincide with the National League's 100th anniversary, certain NL teams wore old-style pillbox hats complete with horizontal pinstripes. After the season, the Pirates were the only team to adopt the hats permanently.

1977: Switch to Brighter Gold and Third Jerseys

In 1977, the Pirates switched back to a brighter shade of gold for the season, and became one of the first teams to wear third jerseys.

1979: Hamilton Left to Join Chicago Cubs

After the 1979 season, Milo Hamilton left the Pittsburgh Pirates to join the Chicago Cubs.

1979: World Series Win and MVP Awards

In 1979, the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Orioles in the World Series, and a Pittsburgh player was designated MVP in every category. The team also adopted "We Are Family" as its theme song.

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1979: Pirates Last World Series Championship

In 1979, the Pittsburgh Pirates last won the World Series.

1979: World Series Win

In 1979, the Pittsburgh Pirates won the World Series under the leadership of Willie Stargell.

1979: Last World Series Win Until Recent Times

Since their last World Series win in 1979, the Pittsburgh Pirates have faced a period of struggle.

1979: Four different uniform combinations in the World Series

The Pirates wore four different uniform combinations in the 1979 World Series.

1980: Pinstripes Removed from White Uniforms

In 1980, the pinstripes came off the white uniforms.

1983: Blass Worked as Color Analyst

From 1983, former Pittsburgh Pirate pitcher Steve Blass worked as a color analyst for the team.

1985: Pittsburgh Drug Trials

In 1985, the Pittsburgh drug trials contributed to a decline in the Pirates' popularity.

1985: Return to Home Whites/Road Grays Combination

In the 1985 season, the team returned to the straightforward home whites/road grays combination.

1986: Jim Leyland Managed the Pirates

In 1986, Jim Leyland began his tenure as the manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1986: Pirates Cable TV Outlet KBL

In 1986, the Pittsburgh Pirates' cable television outlet, known as KBL, began broadcasting games.

1987: Return of Solid Black Cap with Gold "P"

In 1987, the solid black cap with a gold "P" returned and has been the team's primary cap ever since.

1990: Division Title Win

In 1990, the Pittsburgh Pirates won a division title.

1990: Previous Use of Script Wordmarks

Script wordmarks had previously been seen on the road jerseys from 1990 until 2000.

1991: Return to Button-Down Jerseys

In 1991, the Pirates ditched the pullover style in favor of the traditional button-down style.

1991: Penguins Won Stanley Cup

In 1991, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup.

1992: Penguins Stanley Cup Celebration at Three Rivers Stadium

In 1992, after the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup, they held a celebration in the Pirates' old home, Three Rivers Stadium.

1992: Penguins Won Stanley Cup

In 1992, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup.

1992: NLCS Loss

In 1992, the Pittsburgh Pirates lost in the National League Championship Series, coming within one out of advancing to the World Series.

1993: End of Two-Division Play

During the period of two-division play (1969–1993), the two National League East division rivals won the two highest numbers of division championships.

1993: Major Renovations in LECOM Park

In 1993, LECOM Park underwent major renovations.

1993: Start of Losing Streak

In 1993, the Pittsburgh Pirates began a streak of 20 consecutive losing seasons.

1993: Left National League East

In 1993, the Pittsburgh Pirates ceased to be a member of the National League East.

1994: Pirates Move to National League Central

After the Pirates moved to the National League Central in 1994, the teams face each other only in two series each year and the rivalry has diminished.

1994: Greg Brown and Bob Walk Joined Broadcast Booth

In 1994, Greg Brown and Bob Walk joined the Pittsburgh Pirates broadcast booth.

1994: Rivalry Considered One of the Best

The rivalry between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pirates was considered by some to be one of the best rivalries in the National League until 1994.

1994: KDKA-TV Aired Pirates Games for 38 Years

Until 1994, KDKA-TV aired Pittsburgh Pirates games for 38 years.

1995: WPXI Aired Pirates Games

In 1995, WPXI aired Pittsburgh Pirates games.

1996: Jim Leyland's Last Year Managing the Pirates

1996 marked the last year of Jim Leyland's management of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1996: Kevin McClatchy Purchases Team and Addition of Third Jersey

After Kevin McClatchy purchased the team in 1996, the Pirates added a third jersey and utilized red as an accent color, including red brims on the team's caps.

1996: WPXI Aired Pirates Games

Until 1996, WPXI aired Pittsburgh Pirates games.

1997: WPGH-TV and WCWB Aired Pirates Games

From 1997, WPGH-TV and WCWB aired Pittsburgh Pirates games.

1997: Return of Red as Accent Color

In 1997, red returned as an "accent color".

1997: Pirates and Guardians Played a Three-Game Series

In 1997, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Guardians (then known as the Indians) started playing a three-game series each year.

October 1, 2000: Final game at Three Rivers Stadium

On October 1, 2000, the Pirates played their final game at Three Rivers Stadium.

2000: End of Three Rivers Stadium Era

In 2000, the Pittsburgh Pirates ended their time playing at Three Rivers Stadium.

2000: Previous Use of Script Wordmarks

Script wordmarks had previously been seen on the road jerseys from 1990 until 2000.

2001: Last Year of Consecutive Three-Game Series between Pirates and Guardians

2001 was the last year in a string of consecutive years where the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Guardians played a three-game series each year.

2001: Move to PNC Park

In 2001, the Pittsburgh Pirates began playing their home games at PNC Park.

2001: New Stadium Opening

In 2001, the opening of PNC Park did little to change the Pittsburgh Pirates' fortunes amidst a long losing streak.

2002: No Over-the-Air Coverage of Pirates Since 2002

Apart from any Pittsburgh Pirates games aired nationally on Fox, there has been no over-the-air coverage of the Pirates since 2002.

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2002: Pirates and Guardians Played Periodically

From 2002, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Guardians played periodically.

2005: Sleeveless White Jersey as Alternate Home Jersey

From 2005 to 2010, a sleeveless white jersey with pinstripes was worn as an alternate home jersey.

2005: Jim Leyland Managed the Detroit Tigers

In 2005, Jim Leyland became the manager of the Detroit Tigers.

2005: John Wehner Joined Broadcast Crew

In 2005, former Pittsburgh Pirate and Pittsburgh native John Wehner joined the Pirates' broadcast crew as an analyst.

2006: MLB All-Star Game

In 2006, PNC Park hosted the MLB All-Star Game.

2007: Addition of Red Alternate Jersey

For the 2007 and 2008 seasons, a red alternate jersey was added.

2007: Pirates Moved to WPGB

In 2007, the Pittsburgh Pirates ended their relationship with KDKA and moved to FM talk radio station WPGB.

2008: Addition of Red Alternate Jersey

For the 2007 and 2008 seasons, a red alternate jersey was worn.

2008: Major Renovations in LECOM Park

In 2008, LECOM Park underwent major renovations, which included adding lights.

2008: Frattare Called Pirate Games Through 2008

Lanny Frattare called Pittsburgh Pirates games through the 2008 season.

2009: Sidney Crosby Brought Stanley Cup to PNC Park

Following their victory in Detroit in 2009, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby brought the Stanley Cup to PNC Park.

2009: Neverett Called Pirate Games

From 2009, Tim Neverett called Pittsburgh Pirates games.

2009: Red as Accent Color Removed

In 2009, red remained as an "accent color" and was removed.

2009: Alternate Black Jersey with Gold "P"

In 2009, the Pirates began wearing an alternate black jersey with a gold "P" at both home and on the road.

2009: Penguins Won Stanley Cup

In 2009, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup.

2010: Sleeveless White Jersey no longer as Alternate Home Jersey

From 2005 to 2010, a sleeveless white jersey with pinstripes was worn as an alternate home jersey and discontinued

October 1, 2011: Clear Channel Announced End of Deal with Pirates

On October 1, 2011, Clear Channel announced they would not renew their deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

2012: Marking of home plate and first base at former stadium

In 2012, members of the Society for American Baseball Research marked and painted the home plate and first base of the former Three Rivers Stadium on the 40th Anniversary of Roberto Clemente's 3,000th hit.

2012: End of Losing Streak

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Pirates' streak of 20 consecutive losing seasons ended.

2013: Jim Leyland's Last Year Managing the Detroit Tigers

2013 was Jim Leyland's last year as manager of the Detroit Tigers.

2013: Battling for the Central Division Title

From 2013 to 2015, the Pirates battled with the St. Louis Cardinals for the Central Division title, with the Cardinals narrowly winning the division each year. The two teams faced off in the 2013 National League Division Series.

2013: Throwback Uniforms for Sunday Home Games Begin

From 2013 to 2015, the Pirates wore throwback uniforms for Sunday home games: the early 70s pullover uniforms.

2013: Postseason Return

In 2013, led by Andrew McCutchen, the Pittsburgh Pirates returned to the postseason, defeating the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card Game. They also reached 10,000 all-time wins.

2013: Pirates Ended Losing Streak

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Pirates ended their 20-season losing streak with a winning season, increasing fan support.

2013: Wild Card Game Victory

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Pirates won the National League Wild Card Game, marking a rare postseason advancement during a period of struggle.

2013: National League Wild Card Game

The Cincinnati Reds and Pirates met in the 2013 National League Wild Card Game.

2014: Wild Card Loss

In 2014, the Pittsburgh Pirates returned to the postseason but lost the Wild Card game.

2014: Contentious Battle with the Milwaukee Brewers

The Pirates had a contentious battle with the Milwaukee Brewers for a Wild Card spot in 2014.

2015: Throwback Uniforms for Sunday Home Games

From 2013 to 2015, the Pirates wore throwback uniforms for Sunday home games: the early 70s pullover uniforms.

2015: Record Attendance

In 2015, PNC Park had its biggest crowd during the National League Wild Card Game.

2015: National League Wild Card Game

In 2015, the Pirates faced off against the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card Game.

2015: 10,000th Loss

On Opening Day 2015, the Pittsburgh Pirates' loss marked their 10,000th loss.

2015: Alternate Camo Jersey for Select Home Games

Since the 2015 season, the Pirates have worn an alternate camo jersey for select home games.

2015: Neverett Called Pirate Games

Until 2015, Tim Neverett called Pittsburgh Pirates games.

March 2, 2016: New Deal for Pirates to Remain on KDKA-FM Announced

On March 2, 2016, a new deal was announced for the Pittsburgh Pirates to remain on KDKA-FM, with KDKA-AM returning as the AM flagship station.

2016: Pirates Averaged 83,000 Viewers on Primetime TV Broadcasts

During the 2016 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates averaged a 7.22 rating and 83,000 viewers on primetime TV broadcasts.

2016: Throwback Uniforms for Sunday Home Games

From 2016, the Pirates wore throwback uniforms for Sunday home games, the gold top/black pants from the late 70s

2016: Joe Block Became Play-by-Play Announcer

In 2016, Joe Block became the second play-by-play announcer for the Pittsburgh Pirates after working for the Milwaukee Brewers.

2016: Penguins Won Stanley Cup

In 2016, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup.

2017: Penguins Brought Stanley Cup to PNC Park

After winning the Stanley Cup again in 2017, the Pittsburgh Penguins brought the cup to PNC Park and threw out the first pitch.

2017: Penguins Won Stanley Cup

In 2017, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup.

2017: LECOM Park's Name Change

Since 2017, the park has been named for the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

2018: Fan Relations Deteriorated after Andrew McCutchen Trade

In 2018, fan relations deteriorated due to backlash towards owner Robert Nutting after the Andrew McCutchen trade, despite the Pirates contending for the NL Central.

2018: Updated Camouflage Alternates

The camouflage alternates were updated for the 2018 season, now white with camo green wordmarks, numbers, piping, and patches.

June 12, 2019: Bill Mazeroski Lone Survivor of Retired Pirates Numbers

As of June 12, 2019, Bill Mazeroski was the lone survivor of the Pittsburgh Pirates whose numbers are retired.

2019: Throwback Uniforms for Sunday Home Games End

From 2016 to 2019, the Pirates wore throwback uniforms for Sunday home games, ending with the gold top/black pants from the late 70s.

2019: Blass Worked as Color Analyst

Until 2019, former Pittsburgh Pirate pitcher Steve Blass worked as a color analyst for the team.

January 24, 2020: Revival of Script "Pittsburgh" Wordmarks

Ahead of the 2020 season, the Pirates revived the script "Pittsburgh" wordmarks on their gray road and new black alternate road jerseys, which were unveiled on January 24, 2020.

2020: Pirates and Guardians Played Six Games Due to Abbreviated MLB Schedule

In 2020, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Guardians played six games as MLB implemented an abbreviated schedule focused on regional matchups.

2022: Pirates Established a Team Hall of Fame

In 2022, the Pittsburgh Pirates formally established a team Hall of Fame to honor influential ballplayers in Pittsburgh baseball history, including players from the Negro league teams like the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords.

2022: Pirates and Guardians Played Periodically

Until 2022, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Guardians played periodically.

December 16, 2023: Pirates Became Joint Owners of SportsNet Pittsburgh

On December 16, 2023, the Pittsburgh Pirates became joint owners of SportsNet Pittsburgh, with operations to be produced by NESN.

2023: New Balanced Schedule for Pirates and Guardians

Beginning in 2023, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Guardians were scheduled to play a three-game series each season due to a new "balanced" schedule.