Pittsburgh Pirates: Constructing the Franchise’s All-Time Defensive Team

Center Field – Bill Virdon

Bill Virdon was not much of a batter in his career. He only had a .696 OPS and 89 OPS+ in his 6522 career plate appearances. But what Virdon lacked in hitting, he made up for in fielding, and then some. He’s one of the more underrated defensive center fielders in Pirates’ history.

Virdon was the team’s primary center fielder from 1956 up through 1965. All told, Virdon was a really impressive defensive force. Virdon had +43 total zone runs above average, which is a bit over double of the next guy, Omar Monero at +23.

No modern Pirate has reached that mark in their career at center field in terms of DRS. The next closest in that stat is Nyjer Morgan at just +5. Virdon also threw out a ton of base runners too. Virdon had exactly 100 outfield assist in his career, and consistently reached double digits throughout his career.

Virdon was the team’s starting center fielder when they won the World Series Championship in 1960. After his playing career ended, Virdon remained active with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Virdon joined the Pirate coaching staff in 1968, and was one the staff that won the 1971 World Series. He also served as the team’s manager in 1972 and 1973.