Pittsburgh Pirates
From the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s collection containing tens of thousands of artifacts, our curators have created each team’s Starting Nine by hand-picking nine must-see pieces for each of the 30 MLB teams. This limited-time list is the perfect introduction to the Museum for every Pittsburgh Pirates fan. Don’t wait to make your visit to Cooperstown to take the Hall of Fame Starting Nine challenge.
1901 Pirates Silver Trophy
This silver trophy was presented to the 1901 Pirates by The Railroad Men of Pittsburgh for the franchise's first National League pennant. Led by future Hall of Fame player/manager Fred Clarke (inducted in 1945), the Pirates finished with a 90-49 record.
Baseball Timeline: 1900-29
Paul Waner: NL MVP Medal
In 1927, just his second season in the big leagues, Paul Waner was awarded this National League Most Valuable Player medal. The Pirates right fielder led the majors with 237 hits and topped the National League with 18 triples, 131 RBI and a .380 batting average.
Baseball Timeline: 1900-29
Roberto Clemente: Retired #21 Jersey
When the Pirates retired Roberto Clemente's uniform number 21 on Opening Day of the 1973 season, they also presented this game-used jersey to the Hall of Fame. Just months earlier, Pittsburgh's beloved right fielder perished in a plane crash as he shepherded relief supplies to earthquake-ravaged Nicaragua.
¡Viva Baseball!
Rennie Stennett: 7-For-7 Game Bat
Swinging this bat on September 16, 1975, Pittsburgh's Rennie Stennett became the first player to go 7-for-7 in a nine-inning game since Brooklyn's Wilbert Robinson in 1892. The Pirates second baseman collected four singles, two doubles and a triple that game to help the Pirates in their 22-0 rout of the Cubs.
One For The Books
Harvey Haddix: Near-Perfecto Glove
Harvey Haddix wore this glove when he came within inches of perfection, throwing 12 perfect innings of baseball on May 26, 1959. Although the Pirates southpaw ultimately lost to the Milwaukee Braves in the 13th, 1-0, his near-perfecto remains one of the most celebrated pitching performances in big league history.
One For The Books
Willie Stargell: 1979 World Series MVP Bat
Willie Stargell used this Manny Sanguillen model bat during the 1979 World Series as he led the Pirates to their fifth Championship. Pittsburgh beat Baltimore in seven games, during which Stargell batted .400 and clouted three home runs. The first baseman was named the Series MVP for his efforts.
Autumn Glory
Bill Mazeroski: World Series Helmet
It was the bottom of the ninth inning in a tied Game 7 of the 1960 World Series when Bill Mazeroski strode to the plate wearing this helmet. After seeing a first-pitch ball, the Pirates second baseman deposited the next delivery from Yankees pitcher Ralph Terry over the left field wall, recording the first walk-off homer to end a World Series.
Autumn Glory
Honus Wagner: T206 Baseball Card
Although Pirates great Honus Wagner captured eight batting titles, stole 723 bases and played stellar defense at shortstop, he is perhaps most famous for this baseball card. One of the most-coveted "Holy Grails" among card collectors, Wagner's 1909-1911 T206 is scarce because when he discovered that the tobacco cards had been issued without his permission, he demanded its recall.
Shoebox Treasures
Andrew McCutchen: 300th Home Run Helmet
On April 14, 2024, Andrew McCutchen wore this Pirates helmet as he crushed his first home run of the season and the 300th of his big league career in the 9-2 victory over the Phillies. “Cutch,” the franchise’s first round draft pick in 2005, has spent the majority of his career with Pittsburgh.
Your Team Today
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