Constructing the Pittsburgh Pirates All-Time Lineup

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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 12: Willie “Pops” Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats during World Series game three between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles on October 12, 1979 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Orioles defeated the Pirates 8-4. (Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images) /

First Base – Willie Stargell

What’s an all-time Pittsburgh Pirates list without “Pops?” The leader of the “Lumber Company” and the Pirates all-time leader in home runs with 475, RBIs with 1,540, and extra-base hits with 953. Willie Stargell was such an integral part for the 1970s teams with two World Series Championships and securing the 1979 world series MVP. His other accolades speak for themselves with seven All-Star appearances, a league MVP, and the home run champion twice in 1971 and 1973.

During the 1970s there were few hitters in baseball that were more feared than Stargell. During this decade he made his impact on both the game and the city of Pittsburgh. This led to Stargell earning a statue that was debuted the day PNC Park opened. Sadly, that was the same day Stargell passed away.

Other than his impressive stats, Stargell’s imprint on this team was legendary as the voice of reason in the locker room and even implementing the “Stargell Stars” in the 1970s baseball caps. Heck, even his personality was infectious with his patented sledgehammer on deck warm ups and his windmill routine in the batter’s box. There are none like Pops, and there will never be another like him.

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