Pittsburgh Pirates: Five Best First Basemen in Franchise History

4 of 6

MESA, ARIZONA – MARCH 10: General view of action as starting pitcher Mike Fiers #50 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the third inning of the MLB spring training game at HoHoKam Stadium on March 10, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Number Three – Donn Clendenon

Donn Clendenon was the Pittsburgh Pirates primary first basemen during the 1960s. During his tenure, he had a bit of power and speed, having at least a dozen stolen bases three different times, and had at least 12 long balls every season he played at least 100 games with the Pirates.

From his debut season in 1961, where he played just nine games, to his final season with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1968, Clendenon batted .280/.332/.443 with 106 home runs, and a 119 OPS+/120 wRC+. Clendenon in 1962 finished 2nd in National League Rookie of the Year voting after finishing the year with a .302/.376/.477 line with seven long balls and 16 stolen bags.

From 1963 to 1968, the seasons where he played a full year, Clendenon hit .278/.329/.441 with a 119 OPS+. Although never that big of a power hitter, he averaged about 18 home runs a year. He only ever had one below average offensive season, that being in 1967 with a 91 OPS+ and 93 wRC+. Defensively is what put him lower on the list. Clendenon had a -5.5 dWAR and -6 total zone runs above average.

Regardless, Clendenon ranks 5th in Pirates’ first baseman fWAR at 17.2, and his wRC+ ties him for 6th place as well.

Home/Pirates History