Pittsburgh Pirates: Five Best Right Fielders in Franchise History

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PITTSBURGH, PA- 1927: Kiki Cuyler, outfielder for the Pirates, poses for a photograph in 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo Reproduction by Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA- 1927: Kiki Cuyler, outfielder for the Pirates, poses for a photograph in 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo Reproduction by Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images) /

Number Four – Kiki Cuyler

Kiki Cuyler may have only been with the Pittsburgh Pirates for a few seasons, but you’d be hard pressed to find a more effective batter than him. During his Pirates tenure from 1921 to 1927 (note he did only play 13 games from 1921-1923), Cuyler put up a slash line that consisted of a .336 batting average, .399 on base percentage and .513 slugging percentage in 2288 plate appearances.

Overall, he had a strong 137 wRC+. Of any Pirates right fielder with at least 2000 plate appearances under their belt, he leads them all in slugging. He also posted a 1.021 OPS season in 1925 and finished 2nd in MVP voting that season as well.

Not only was he a proficient batter, but Cuyler was really good when it came to fielding, and stealing bases. Cuyler racked up a total of 20 total zone runs during his Pirates tenure. He also stole 30 or more bags 3 different times, including 41 in 1925, the same season where he posted an OPS above 1.000.

After spending time with the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds and Brooklyn Dodgers, Cuyler retired following the 1938 season. He was then elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1968. Also, Cuyler won a World Series with the Pirates in 1925.