Constructing the Pittsburgh Pirates All-Time Lineup

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PITTSBURGH – 1939. Pie Traynor, manager for the Pittsburgh Pirates, calls out instructions during a game at Forbes Field in 1939. (Photo by Mark Rucker/Transcendental Graphics, Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH – 1939. Pie Traynor, manager for the Pittsburgh Pirates, calls out instructions during a game at Forbes Field in 1939. (Photo by Mark Rucker/Transcendental Graphics, Getty Images) /

Third Base – Pie Traynor

The best third baseman in Pittsburgh Pirates history, Pie Traynor played during a time when not a lot of third baseman were known for their power or their extra-base hit ability. In fact, following his retirement, Traynor was long viewed as the best third baseman in baseball history. A designation that in the eyes of some he held into the 1970s.

Traynor played for the Pirates for 17 years from 1920-1935 and then a stint in 1937 for five games. His stat line for such a long career was impressive with a .320/.362/.435 line, striking out only 278 times, and collecting 2,416 total hits.

In 1925, Traynor would win his first and only World Series Championship with the Pirates. During this World Series he was a catalyst for the Bucs as he batted .346/.414/.615 over seven games. During this time Traynor was so impressive that he earned the honor to be the starting third baseman in the first ever MLB All-Star Game in 1933. Then in 1934, he would earn the same honor which would turn out to be his last All-Star appearance. Traynor’s legacy lasted throughout the years and he is still considered one of the  best third basemen of all-time.