SPORTS TEAM HISTORY

Sports Team HistorySports Logo History
  • Sports History
    • Baseball History – MLB
    • Basketball History – ABA, NBA, WNBA
    • College History – Divison I Conferences
    • Football History – AAF, CFL, NFL, USFL, XFL
    • Hockey History – NHL
    • Soccer History. – MLS, Premier League
  • Hall of Fame
    • MLB
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • NHL
  • Greatest Player Polls
    • CFL Greatest Player
    • MLB Greatest Player
    • MLS Greatest Player
    • NBA Greatest Player
    • NFL Greatest Player
    • NHL Greatest Player
    • Premier League Greatest Player
    • WNBA Greatest Player
  • More…
    • Sports Team News
    • Latest Sports Videos
      • General Sports Videos
      • MLB Sports Videos
      • NBA Sports Videos
      • NCAA Sports Videos
      • NFL Sports Videos
      • NHL Sports Videos
      • Soccer Sports Videos
      • WNBA Sports Videos
    • YouTube Channel
    • Sports Team History Products
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages

Pittsburgh Pirates Team History

Pittsburgh Pirates
Pirates Primary Logo
Pirates Alternate Logo
Pirates Wordmark Logo
Pirates Team Merch

Established
1882

City
Pittsburgh

League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1887 – 1999 / National League
1882 – 1886 / American Association

Team History
1882 – Present / Pittsburgh Pirates

Nickname
Pirates – The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the most beloved teams in Major League Baseball, and they have a long and storied history that dates back to 1887. The team’s nickname has existed since then, but its origins remain mysterious. While there are several theories about how the Pirates got their name, none can be definitively proven.

One popular theory is that the team was named after an old-time baseball club known as “the Allegheny Base Ball Club of Pittsburgh,” which was founded in 1876 by William Nimick and other members of his family who were from Allegheny City (now part of Pittsburgh). It is believed that this club adopted a pirate theme for their uniforms due to its association with Nimick's ancestors who had settled along Pennsylvania's rivers during colonial times - when piracy on these waterways was common. This could explain why some early photos show players wearing striped shirts with skull-and-crossbones logos!

Another theory suggests that the name comes from another local sports team called "Pittsburgh Burghers" or "Burgher Boys." In 1890, when both teams played at Exposition Park (which later became Forbes Field), fans often chanted, “Let’s Go, Bucs! Let's Go, Burghers!" In response to this cheerfulness among supporters for both squads, newspapers began referring to them collectively as “Pirates."

Whatever its origin, however, it remains clear why so many people continue to love cheering on our hometown heroes: The Pittsburgh Pirates! For over 130 years, they have provided us with plenty of entertainment while representing everything good about America's pastime – dedication, hard work, resilience & camaraderie – making them truly worthy champions no matter what happens each season.

Championship
World Series 5
1979, 1971, 1960, 1925, 1909

Stadium
2001 – Present / PNC Park
1970 – 2000 / Three Rivers Stadium
1909 – 1970 / Forbes Field
1891 – 1909 / Exposition Park II
1884 – 1890 / Recreation Park
1882 – 1883 / Exposition Park I

Owner
2007 – Present / Robert Nutting
1996 – 2007 / Kevin McClatchy
1985 – 1996 / Pittsburgh Associates
1946 – 1985 / John W. Galbreath
1932 – 1946 / Bill Benswanger
1900 – 1932 / Barney Dreyfuss
1891 – 1900 / William Kerr & Phil Auten
1887 – 1891 / William A. Nimick
1882 – 1887 / Denny McKnight

  • 1882
  • 1909
  • 1925
  • 1960
  • 1970
  • 1971
  • 1979
  • 2001
  • 1896 Pittsburgh Pirates Team

    Pittsburgh Pirates Team Formation

    The new owners also signed up several players from American Association teams. One of them was highly regarded second baseman Lou Bierbauer, who had previously played with the A.A.’s Philadelphia Athletics. The Athletics failed to include him on their reserve list, and the Alleghenys picked him up. This led to loud protests by the Athletics, and in an official complaint, ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • World Series - 1909 Pirates

    World Series Winner 1909

    The 1909 World Series featured the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Detroit Tigers. The Pirates won the Series in seven games to capture their first championship of the modern Major League Baseball era and the second championship in the club’s history.
    See Full Story
  • World Series - 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates

    World Series Winner 1925

    In the 1925 World Series, the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the defending champion Washington Senators in seven games.
    See Full Story
  • World Series - 1960 Pirates

    World Series – 1960

    The 1960 World Series was played between the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League (NL) and the New York Yankees of the American League (AL) from October 5 to 13, 1960. It is most notable for the Game 7, a ninth-inning home run hit by Bill Mazeroski, winning the game for the Pirates 10–9, and also winning them their third ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Three Rivers Stadium

    Three Rivers Stadium

    The ground was broken in April 1968 and an oft behind-schedule construction plan lasted for 29 months. The stadium opened on July 16, 1970, when the Pirates played their first game. In the 1971 World Series, Three Rivers Stadium hosted the first World Series game played at night. The following year the stadium was the site of the Immaculate Reception. ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Roberto-Clemente World Series - 1971

    World Series Winner 1971

    The 1971 World Series matched the defending champion Baltimore Orioles against the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the Pirates winning in seven games. Game 4, played in Pittsburgh, was the first-ever World Series game scheduled to be played at night. The two teams proved to be evenly matched, as the Series went the full seven games, with the Pirates’ Steve Blass pitching ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • 1979-World-Series-Pittsburgh-Pirates-Willie-Stargell-NLC_04978

    World Series Winner 1979

    The 1979 World Series matched the National League’s Pittsburgh Pirates (98–64) against the American League’s Baltimore Orioles (102–57), with the Pirates coming back from three games to one deficit to win the Series in seven games. The Pirates were famous for adopting Sister Sledge’s hit anthem “We Are Family” as their theme song.
    See Full Story
  • PNC_Park,_Home_of_Pittsburgh_Pirates

    PNC Park Opens

    The Pirates opened a new stadium, PNC Park, in 2001. Due to its simple, unpretentious concept and strategic usage of the remarkably beautiful Pittsburgh skyline, it is frequently regarded as in a recent ESPN article as currently the best park in baseball. Despite this, the Pirates’ performance has translated to subpar attendance figures. Through the end of the 2012 season, ...
    Read More
    See Full Story

Who is the greatest Pittsburgh Pirates?
  • Add your greatest player

To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.

History of the Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates, home to some of MLB's greatest players, are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB). Established in 1882, they have a long and distinguished history of winning five World Series championships. The team is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and plays its home games at PNC Park. They are a formidable presence in the National League Central Division, competing against renowned teams like the Chicago Cubs and St Louis Cardinals.

The Pirates were founded by William Nimick, a former player for another MLB franchise called Allegheny Base Ball Club, which had been disbanded before he found what would become known as “the Bucs” or “the Buccos” for short. In 1901, they moved from Exposition Park to Forbes Field, where they played until 1970 when Three Rivers Stadium opened up on July 16th, 1971 - this stadium served as their home field until 2001 when it was replaced by PNC Park, which still now serves as their main base today!

Throughout its long history, many great players have worn Pirate uniforms, including Hall-of-Famers Roberto Clemente (1955–1972), Willie Stargell(1962–1982), Bill Mazeroski(1956–1972), Barry Bonds (1986 – 1992), and Andrew McCutchen(2009 – 2017). These players helped lead the franchise to three consecutive NL East Championships between 1990 – 1992 before eventually winning two more titles in 1979 & 1971, respectively! This fantastic success proves why so many fans worldwide continue to support this beloved team even after all these years - making them truly one of baseball's most iconic franchises ever created!




Sports Fan Products

Pete Rose Autographed Blonde Official Bat Reds "4256" In Black PR Holo
5.0 out of 5 stars(5051)
Buy on Amazon
Pete Rose Autographed Black R.a.w.l.i.n.g.s Baseball Bat "Hit King" PR Holo Stock #177048
Buy on Amazon
Jackson Chourio Milwaukee Brewers Autographed Signed Black Baseball Bat Beckett Hologram
Buy on Amazon
Ken Griffey Jr. Signed Autographed Cooperstown Signature Series Bat TRISTAR
Buy on Amazon
Dale Murphy Autographed Baseball Bat - Hand Signed with James Spence Authentication (JSA)
Buy on Amazon
TRISTAR Hidden Treasures Autographed Bats - 2025 Edition (1 Box)
Buy on Amazon
Al Kaline Autographed R.a.w.l.i.n.g.s Baseball Bat Tigers "HOF 80" PSA/DNA Stock #110759
Buy on Amazon
Darryl Strawberry 1986 WS Champs Autographed Signed Baseball Bat JSA Authentic
Buy on Amazon
Ronald Acuna Jr. Autographed Black R.a.w.l.i.n.g.s Baseball Bat Beckett BAS Stock #181314
Buy on Amazon
Brandon Marsh Philadlephia Phillies Autographed Signed Black Baseball Bat Beckett Hologram Full Signature
Buy on Amazon
Tony Perez Signed L-Slugger Pro Stock Blonde Baseball Bat
Buy on Amazon
Corbin Carroll Arizona Diamondbacks Autographed Signed Blonde Baseball Bat Beckett WITNESS Hologram
5.0 out of 5 stars(5053)
Buy on Amazon
Jackson Merrill San Diego Padres Autographed Signed Blonde Baseball Bat Beckett Rookie Hologram
5.0 out of 5 stars(5051)
Buy on Amazon
AARON JUDGE Autographed New York Yankees Chandler Game Model Bat FANATICS - Autographed MLB Bats
5.0 out of 5 stars(5052)
Buy on Amazon
Jackson Merrill San Diego Padres Autographed Signed Black Baseball Bat Beckett Witness Hologram
Buy on Amazon
Kyle Manzardo Cleveland Guardians Autographed Signed Engraved Blonde Bat Beckett Rookie Hologram
5.0 out of 5 stars(5051)
Buy on Amazon
Corbin Carroll Arizona Diamondbacks Autographed Signed Black Baseball Bat Beckett Hologram
Buy on Amazon
Pete Rose Autographed Black Hit King Baseball Bat "Charlie Hustle" (Residue on Bat) PR Holo Stock #228083
Buy on Amazon
Pete Crow-Armstrong Chicago Cubs Autographed Signed Black Bat JSA Witness COA
Buy on Amazon
Trea Turner Autographed Black R.a.w.l.i.n.g.s Adirondack Baseball Bat Beckett BAS Witness Stock #234072
Buy on Amazon
Andy Pages Los Angeles Dodgers Autographed Signed Blonde Baseball Bat BECKETT Witness Hologram
3.0 out of 5 stars(3051)
Buy on Amazon
Autographed/Signed David Ortiz Black Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat JSA COA
Buy on Amazon
Riley Greene Detroit Tigers Autographed Signed Black Baseball Bat JSA Witness COA
Buy on Amazon
Jarren Duran Boston Red Sox Autographed Signed Blonde Baseball Bat JSA COA
Buy on Amazon
Jarren Duran Boston Red Sox Autographed Signed Black Baseball Bat Beckett Hologram
Buy on Amazon
Auto Amazon Links

STH Greatest Player Polls Banner MLB Logo Image

He's Unstoppable! Paul Skenes Keeps Dealing, Throwing Heat!

In this electrifying video, we witness the incredible pitching prowess of Paul Skenes as he continues to dominate the mound. From his blazing fastballs to his pinpoint accuracy, Skenes is proving to be an unstoppable force in baseball. We'll break down his latest performances, analyze his pitching mechanics, and hear what makes him so special from teammates and coaches.

Unstoppable Rookie! Paul Skenes' 5-0, 2.12 ERA, 78 Strikeouts!

Dive into the incredible rookie season of Paul Skenes, who has taken the baseball world by storm with his outstanding performance. With a record of 5-0, an impressive 2.12 ERA, and 78 strikeouts.

Roberto Clemente Player History: What You Didn't Know!

Explore the journey through the illustrious career of Roberto Clemente, one of baseball's greatest legends. From his humble beginnings to his groundbreaking achievements on and off the field, discover the incredible story of this Hall of Famer. Dive into his iconic moments, records, and the lasting impact he made on the sport and the world.

2024 Central National League Highlights - Best Plays, and Top Moments

🔥🔥Dive into the MLB Central National League 2024 highlights as we bring you the most exciting moments from this year’s Central National League baseball games 2024! Catch the best plays, top moments, and thrilling action from teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago Cubs...

Retired Number
1 / Billy Meyer
4 / Ralph Kiner
8 / Willie Stargell
9 / Bill Mazeroski
11 / Paul Waner
20 / Pie Traynor
21 / Roberto Clemente
33 / Honus Wagner
40 / Danny Murtaugh
42 / Jackie Robinson

*Blue is this team’s history

Sports History Group Videos

Sports History Group Videos

Sports News History

Sports News Worth Knowing

RSS MLB Headline News

  • Marlins vs. D-backs Game Highlights (6/29/25) | MLB Highlights
  • Los Angeles Dodgers vs Kansas City Royals – FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | June 29, 2025 MLB Season
  • Nationals vs. Angels Game Highlights (6/28/25) | MLB Highlights
  • Los Angeles Dodgers vs Kansas City Royals – FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | June 27, 2025 MLB Season
  • Phillies vs. Astros Game Highlights (6/26/25) | MLB Highlights

Sports Store History

Sports Team Marketplace of Champions!

MLB Greatest Player

MLB Logo Battle

SLH Prodcut Sale

MLB Teams
Menu
  • Arizona Diamondbacks
  • Athletics
    • Oakland Athletics
    • Kansas City Athletics
    • Philadelphia Athletics
  • Atlanta Braves
    • Milwaukee Braves
    • Boston Braves
    • Boston Bees
    • Boston Rustlers
    • Boston Doves
    • Boston Beaneaters
  • Baltimore Orioles
    • St. Louis Browns
    • Milwaukee Brewers
  • Boston Red Sox
    • Boston Americans
  • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago Orphans
  • Chicago White Sox
    • Chicago White Stockings
  • Cincinnati Reds
    • Cincinnati Redlegs
    • Cincinnati Red Stockings
  • Cleveland Guardians
    • Cleveland Indians
    • Cleveland Naps
    • Cleveland Blues
  • Colorado Rockies
  • Detroit Tigers
  • Houston Astros
    • Houston Colt 45’s
  • Kansas City Royals
  • Los Angeles Angels
    • Anaheim Angels
    • California Angels
  • Los Angeles Dodgers
    • Brooklyn Dodgers
    • Brooklyn Robins
    • Brooklyn Superbas
  • Miami Marlins
    • Florida Marlins
  • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Seattle Pilots
  • Minnesota Twins
    • Washington Senators
  • New York Mets
  • New York Yankees
    • New York Highlanders
    • Baltimore Orioles
  • Philadelphia Phillies
  • Pittsburgh Pirates
  • San Diego Padres
  • San Francisco Giants
    • New York Giants
    • New York Gothams
  • Seattle Mariners
  • St. Louis Cardinals
  • Tampa Bay Rays
    • Tampa Bay Devil Rays
  • Texas Rangers
    • Washington Senators
  • Toronto Blue Jays
  • Washington Nationals
    • Montreal Expos
STH - SHG YT Videos Banner
STH - SHG Rumble Videos Banner




Greatest Player Poll 350
National Football League LogoNational Basketball Associations LogoMajor League Baseball Logo 2019National Hockey League LogoNCAA Primary Logo

Greatest Player Poll: Cast your vote!

Join the debate and help decide who stands tall in the annals of sports history. Whether it's a legendary NFL's powerful action, the NBA's athletic prowess, or the unyielding spirit of an MLB player, we want to hear your thoughts. Who, in your opinion, has left an indelible mark on their sport? Who has transcended the boundaries of their game to become a symbol of excellence? Who has inspired generations of athletes and fans with their performances, character, and legacy? This is your chance to have your say. Cast your vote, share your thoughts, and celebrate the greatest in sports history together.

NFL Greatest Player
NBA Greatest Player
NHL Greatest Player
MLB Greatest Player
MLS Greatest Player
WNBA Greatest Player
CFL Greatest Player
Premier Greatest Player
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages

STH News

Latest Sports Team History News

The Fading Roar of the Colonels: Louisville’s Unforgettable ABA Era

July 11, 2025

Top 5 NFL Quarterbacks To Watch In 2025

July 10, 2025

Gridiron Geniuses: The 5 Greatest Head Coaches in NFL History

July 9, 2025

Iconic Team Hats: The Evolution of Team Headwear Through the Decades

July 1, 2025

Sports History Group 350
Sports Logo History
Sports News History
Sports Store History 200
Image

Complete Histories of Your Favorite Sports Team!


  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy




© 2013 - 2025 Sports History Group LLC - All Rights Reserved
  • Sports History
    • Baseball History – MLB
    • Basketball History – ABA, NBA, WNBA
    • College History – Divison I Conferences
    • Football History – AAF, CFL, NFL, USFL, XFL
    • Hockey History – NHL
    • Soccer History. – MLS, Premier League
  • Hall of Fame
    • MLB
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • NHL
  • Greatest Player Polls
    • CFL Greatest Player
    • MLB Greatest Player
    • MLS Greatest Player
    • NBA Greatest Player
    • NFL Greatest Player
    • NHL Greatest Player
    • Premier League Greatest Player
    • WNBA Greatest Player
  • More…
    • Sports Team News
    • Latest Sports Videos
      • General Sports Videos
      • MLB Sports Videos
      • NBA Sports Videos
      • NCAA Sports Videos
      • NFL Sports Videos
      • NHL Sports Videos
      • Soccer Sports Videos
      • WNBA Sports Videos
    • YouTube Channel
    • Sports Team History Products
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.