2004 Pittsburgh Pirates

Though the struggle for small-market teams in Major League Baseball teams has not ended, teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates have been able to retain their stars, thanks to the luxury tax on salaries. With a solid roster and a recently opened baseball-only showcase park, the Pirates will soon return to their position of power in the National League. Already, they are playing near the .500 level for the first time in several years.

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 they changed their name to the Pirates two years later. The Pirates have won six World Series titles in their long history, in 1903, 1909, 1925, 1960, 1971 and 1979. The Pirates have had many great players in their history, but probably none more famous than 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 earthquake victims in Nicaragua on December 31, 1972.

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, Indiana 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, 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-because of 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 PNC Park, a smaller, baseball-only stadium with grass. The 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.

Pirates tickets are more coveted in their fine new ballpark than they had been in their final years at Three Rivers, so make sure you plan ahead when you are ready to go to a Pirates game.