Pittsburgh Pirates Countdown: Top Five First Basemen

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Going through the history of the Pittsburgh Pirates can be absolutely fascinating. So many great players have been a part of the team, making All-Star teams and, in some cases, even building Hall of Fame resumes. Digging through the 132 years of history for the Pirates and the Alleghenys is absolutely fascinating.

Last week, we went though the top five catchers in Pittsburgh Pirates history. This time through, we focus on first base, where the Pirates have had quite a number of excellent players come through. Yet, the top player in terms of career WAR that played first for the Pirates will not be on this list. Why? Because only 12.1 of the career 62.9 WAR posted by Willie Stargell came at first. When we get to left field, it is safe to assume that he will be on that list.

Just like last time, this list may not reflect the top WAR leaders at the position. Other players, like George Grantham, will be in the same boat as Stargell – they played first, but majority of their impact came at other positions. That has been factored in as well in these rankings.

This list will bring us back through the early days of the Pirates franchise to the end of the glory days of the 1970’s. Let us know if there is anyone you think should be higher on the list, or someone that you feel was snubbed. Hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane as much as I enjoyed putting it together!

Next: A World Series MVP - just not in Pittsburgh

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5. Donn Clendenon (1961-1968)

A three sport star at Morehouse College, Clendenon actually had offers to play for the Cleveland Browns, the New York Knicks and the Harlem Globetrotters. Instead, he chose to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates, in part because his stepfather was Nish Williams, the former Negro League catcher and manager. The Pirates were certainly glad that he made that decision.

During his time in Pittsburgh, Donn Clendenon was a solid first baseman, generating decent power despite playing in the era of depressed batting statistics known as the 1960’s. Overall for the Pirates, Clendenon produced a .280/.332/.443 batting line with 106 home runs and even stole 81 bases. Even though these statistics may not appear to be impressive, they were good enough for a 119 OPS+ during that time frame.

Although he was not an All-Star, Clendenon did finish second the the Rookie of the Year balloting in 1962. He also consistently ranked in the top ten in multiple offensive categories, such as triples and RBI. Clendenon was also a stellar defensive first baseman, among the league leaders in range factor, double plays and assists.

Unfortunately, Donn Clendenon is best known for what he did after leaving the Pirates, as he was the MVP of the 1969 World Series when the Mets improbably defeated the Orioles. Clendenon produced a .357/.438/1.071 batting line with three home runs, leading the Mets to victory.

Next: A true power hitter

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3. Gus Suhr (1930-1939)

Gus Suhr was, for a time, the National League answer to Lou Gehrig. While he never hit like Gehrig did, Suhr did set the National League record for consecutive games played during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, playing in 822 consecutive games from 1931 until the middle of the 1937 season.

While he may not have been a tremendous power hitter, Suhr was a solid player who hit a good amount of doubles and triples for the Pirates. Overall, Suhr produced a solid .278/.366/.427 batting line, hitting 79 home runs, 276 doubles and 112 triples. His 1936 season, when he produced a career best .312/.410/.467 batting line with eleven home runs, 33 doubles and 118 RBI, earned him his only All-Star berth.

Even though Gus Suhr was never remarkable for anything beyond his durability, he was consistently in the top ten in a number of batting categories, particularly triples and walks. Suhr was also a solid defensive player, ranking among the leaders in range factor and fielding percentage.

This solid career was enough for Suhr to appear on the Hall of Fame ballot three times, in 1956, 1958 and 1960. Although he never received more than one vote in any of those years, he still put together a nice career and, for a time, was the answer to the question of “Who had the most consecutive games played in the National League?”

Next: When a newspaper poll leads to a major league career

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2. Elbie Fletcher (1939-1943, 1946-1974)

It would be difficult to follow Elbie Fletcher’s path to the major leagues these days. Instead of being drafted and working his way through the minors, Fletcher actually came to the attention of the then Boston Braves through a newspaper poll. The winner of the poll got an invitation to Spring Training, and Fletcher actually made the Braves Opening Day roster.

Interestingly enough, when Fletcher was acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates from the Braves, he took over at first for Gus Suhr of the previous slide. He certainly filled Suhr’s shoes admirably, putting together a .279/.403/.412 batting line hitting sixty home runs and 154 doubles.

Where Elbie Fletcher truly stood out was in his ability to get on base. Fletcher led the national League in walks in 1940 and 1941, and led the league in on base percentage from 1940 through 1942. Interestingly, and perhaps because of World War Two, Fletcher made his only appearance in the game for his 1943 season, when he produced a .283/.395/.395 batting line with nine home runs. That season was actually the worst of his first run with the Pirates.

He may not have been the most exciting player, but Fletcher was solid on offense and was stellar defensively, rating among the league leaders in almost every defensive category. And to think what would have happened if his family did not read that fateful newspaper.

Next: The Hall of Famer

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1. Jake Beckley (1888-1889, 1891-1896)

Jake Beckley was known for being a great contact hitter and for his solid speed. His place among the greats of the game is unquestioned, as he ranks in the top 50 all time in runs, hits, triples and singles. On the defensive side, Beckley is the all time leader in putouts and triple plays for a first baseman. He was truly a star on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, Beckley laid the groundwork for his Hall of Fame career in Pittsburgh, spending his first nine seasons in the city as he played for the Pittsburgh Burghers of the Player’s League in 1890. For the Pirates, Beckley produced a .300/.359/.442 batting line, good for a 123 OPS+. At a time when home runs were scarce, he was a bit of a power hitter, slugging 43 home runs with 118 doubles and 113 triples.

Defensively, Beckley was as solid as they came. Not only is he the all time leader in putouts and triple plays, he also ranks in the top 30 all time in range factor at first and is 20th in assists. It is no surprise that Beckley ranked among the league leaders in both categories virtually every season, putting him amongst the best defensive players of his time.

For his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and his excellent career after being traded away in 1896, Jake Beckley made the Hall of Fame in 1971. Beckley was a great all around first baseman, and the best of all time for the Pirates.

Next: Pittsburgh Pirates Countdown: Top Five Catcher in Pirates History