2003 Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the oldest franchises in all of the National League and Major League Baseball. They first started playing baseball in Pittsburgh in 1887 as the Pittsburgh Alleghenies, and changed their name to the Pirates two years later. The Pirates have won six World Series titles in their long history, including 1903, 1909, 1925, 1960, 1971, and 1979. The Pirates have had many great players in their history, but probably none more famous then Honus Wagner and Roberto Clemente. Wagner was one of the all time best middle infielders, but might be best known for having the most valuable baseball card in the world. Roberto Clemente was also a great player, but he was an outfielder. Clemente was known as one of the most pure five-tool players of all time. He was known for his strong arm, great speed, power, fielding, and the ability to hit for a high average. Clemente was also a great humanitarian who tragically died in a plane crash trying to deliver aid to needy people.

The Pirates currently play in the National League Central against such rivals as the Houston Astros, the Chicago Cubs, and the St. Louis Cardinals. The Pirates are managed by former major leaguer Lloyd McClendon. He may be best known for participating in the 1971 Little League World Series and earning the nickname "Legendary Lloyd" after going 5-for-5 with five home runs (on five swings) and five intentional walks for his Gary (IN) team. In recent years the Pirates have fielded young and exciting teams. They stay competitive with the help of their talented young pitching staff of Kip Wells, Chris Benson, Joe Beimel and Josh Fogg. The cornerstone of the Pirates team is their catcher Jason Kendall. Kendall is considered one of the best defensive catchers in the league, but at the same time remains a top hitter and base stealer. The Pirates have trouble competing in the loaded National League Central Division, but stay in games--and sometimes the pennant race-due to their strong pitching.

From 1970 to 2000 the Pirates played at Three Rivers Stadium, a large, multipurpose stadium with artificial turf that they shared with the Steelers of the NFL. In 2001 they moved into a smaller, baseball only stadium with grass named PNC Park. It is located on the north shore of the Allegheny River between the Fort Duquesne and Roberto Clemente (6th Street) bridges. Left field (E), Federal Street; 3rd base (N), East General Robinson Street; 1st base (W), East Stadium Drive; right field (S), River Avenue and North Shore Drive. The aforementioned Roberto Clemente Bridge is a trademark of the stadium. On game days, the bridge is closed off to vehicular traffic and spectators are met by a dynamic interactive retail, restaurant and sport pavilion beyond right field, with attractions for all ages.

In Pittsburgh, the Pirates are not the only major sports team. The Steelers of the NFL are maybe the most beloved team in the city. The Steelers, under legendary coach Chuck Noll, won 4 Super Bowls in the 1970s. The team plays its home games at Heinz Field. The Penguins of the NHL have also been a very successful franchise, including legendary forward and current part owner/player Mario Lemieux. The Penguins play their games at Mellon Arena. The University of Pittsburgh Panthers play in the Big East and are a constant threat in football and basketball. The football team plays at Heinz Field and the basketball team plays at the Peterson Events Center.