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The early years
The pirates roots in Pittsburgh actually date back to April 15th 1876, when the Pittsburgh Allegheny brought professional baseball to the city by playing their first game at Union Park. -
The early years
The Allegheny defeated the defending league-champion Chicago White Stockings, 6-2, before a crowd of nearly 10,000 at Recreation Park. -
The early years
When the players league folded after only one season, all players were excepted to return to the clubs they played -
The early years
The Allegheny's roster was demolished when key players jumped to a new rival to the national league- the players league -
the early years
Pittsburgh signed Louis Bierbauer, a second baseman with Brooklyn of the players league who had sent the previous four seasons with Philadelphia Athletics -
the early years
The fortunes of the Pirates turned in when the National league reduced its membership from 12 to 8 teams. -
the early years 1901-1909
All would play significant roles as the pirates became the leagues dominant franchise, winning pennants and a world championship