The Pittsburgh Pirates finished the 2008 season a lamentable last place in the NL Central, but GM Neal Huntington is determined to end the losing streak in 2009. In the offseason the Pirates addressed their need for utility players by signing Ramon Vazquez and Eric Hinske, and in an effort to improve their pitching, they picked up pitching coach Joe Kerrigan. Much will depend on the LaRoche brothers, Adam and Andy, realizing their potential, and if top prospect Andrew McCutchen is ready for the big leagues, the Pirates are looking at a big improvement in the 2009 season. What the team will really need is tons of supportive fans, so get your tickets to PNC Park and help cheer the Pittsburgh Pirates on to a winning season in 2009!

From the Pittsburgh Alleghenys to the Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates are one of the earliest franchises in baseball having begun play as the Pittsburgh Alleghenys in 1882. By the turn of the century the Pirates had established themselves as the best team in the game. Led by one of the games’ earliest superstars, Honus Wagner, the team won the NL Pennant 3 straight years and played in the first World Series. Aside from his play, Wagner is best known for his baseball card which last sold for over $2 million, significantly more than Honus ever made.