Stargell began his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1962. He quickly established himself as a powerful hitter, leading the team in home runs and RBIs in his first season. He was also a leader in the clubhouse, helping to create a winning culture with his positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm.
Stargell was a two-time National League MVP, a seven-time All-Star, and a two-time World Series champion. He was also a two-time NL home run champion and a two-time NL RBI champion. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988.
Stargell was known for his ability to hit the ball with power, but he was also a great defensive player. He had a strong arm and was able to make difficult plays look easy. He was also an excellent base runner and was known for his hustle on the field.
Stargell was a fan favorite in Pittsburgh and was beloved by the city. He was a leader on and off the field and was an inspiration to many. He was a great ambassador for the game of baseball and will always be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.
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On September 30, 1979, the Chicago Cubs met the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium...
1979-Sep-30 • CHC/PIT • Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Clinch - Radio Broadcast / On September 30, 1979, the Chicago Cubs met the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium in a game that would determine the fate of the Pirates' season. Coming into the game, the Pirates had a magic number of one to clinify the National League East title, meaning a win against the Cubs would secure their place in the postseason. The Pirates were having a stellar season, with players like Willie Stargell and Dave Parker leading the charge. The Cubs, on the other hand, were struggling to find their footing, but still posed a significant threat with their roster that included the likes of Bruce Sutter and Bill Buckner. This game wasn't just about securing a playoff spot, but also about the Pirates proving their dominance in the league.
The 1979 season was historic for the Pirates as they would go on to win the World Series, with Stargell picking up the NL MVP and World Series MVP awards. This game, therefore, holds a pivotal place in that narrative. The Cubs, despite their struggles, were no easy opponent, and the tension of the game was palpable on the radio broadcast. The stakes were high, the air was thick with anticipation, and the game was set to be a memorable one.
3 hours
Sep 22, 1975Sep 22, 1975
The game took place on Monday, September 22, 1975, between the Pittsburgh Pirates...
Philadelphia Phillies vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Clincher - Radio Broadcast / The game took place on Monday, September 22, 1975, between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies at Three Rivers Stadium. The Pirates, who were having a solid season, were looking to solidify their standing in the National League East, while the Phillies were trying to keep their playoff hopes alive. The starting pitchers for the game were Bruce Kison for the Pirates and Tom Underwood for the Phillies. Kison was in the midst of a solid season, looking to build on his 11-11 record, while Underwood, with a 14-12 record, was hoping to provide the Phillies with a much-needed boost. The 1975 season overall had been marked by the dominance of the Cincinnati Reds, also known as the "Big Red Machine", who were in the midst of one of the greatest seasons in baseball history.
The game started off with both teams unable to score in the first inning. The Pirates got on the scoreboard first in the second inning and added three more runs in the fourth inning. The Phillies, on the other hand, were held scoreless until the fifth inning when they managed to score a single run. The Pirates' offense was led by Willie Stargell and Dave Parker, who combined for five hits and six runs batted in. Stargell, in particular, had a big day at the plate, reaching base five times and scoring four runs. The Phillies' offense was largely stifled by Kison and reliever Kent Tekulve, who combined to allow just three runs.
The Phillies made an attempt to come back in the seventh inning, scoring two runs to cut the Pirates' lead to 5-3. However, the Pirates responded with a massive five-run eighth inning, highlighted by a two-run home run by Parker, his 25th of the season, to extend their lead to 11-3. The Phillies were unable to mount a comeback in the ninth inning, and the Pirates secured a comfortable victory.
The Pirates' victory on September 22, 1975, was a key moment in their successful season. They would go on to finish second in the National League East, just 6.5 games behind the division-winning Philadelphia Phillies. Despite their loss in this game, the Phillies would rally to win the division and make the playoffs, but they were defeated by the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Championship Series. The Reds would go on to win the World Series, cementing their status as one of the greatest teams in baseball history. The 1975 season also saw a number of individual accolades, with Joe Morgan of the Reds winning the National League Most Valuable Player award, and Tom Seaver of the New York Mets winning the Cy Young Award.