This week in Pittsburgh Pirates history -
 |
| Fred Clarke |
May 19
1915 Pirates
player-manager Fred Clarke files for the patent for flip down sunglasses that
have been designed to be used in the outfield. In addition to the sunglasses,
which the future Hall of Famer believes are "good for motorist, too",
also creates and will be issued patents for a sliding pad and a mechanical
method of positioning the tarpaulin.
1956 Pirates'
first baseman Dale Long's ninth inning home run against the Cubs is the first
of a string of eight consecutive games in which he will homer.
 |
| Jim Bibby |
1981 After giving
up a single to leadoff hitter Terry Harper, Pirates' hurler Jim Bibby retires
the next 27 Braves en route to a 5-0 one-hitter. The right-hander threw a
no-hitter as a rookie with the Rangers.
2000 In the park's
last year, Jason Kendall became the first Pirate to hit for the cycle in Three
Rivers Stadium. The Pittsburgh backstop has a two-run homer in the first, a
single in the second, a double in the third and a two-run triple in the eighth
to join Giant Jeff Kent (1999) as the only player to accomplish the feat in the
stadium's 31-year history.
May 20
1932 Paul Waner
strokes four doubles in one game. The future Hall of Fame outfielder's quartet
of two-baggers enables the Pirates to beat the Cardinals at Sportsman's Park,
5-0.
1947 In a game
which features no extra-base hits, the Pirates defeat Boston at Forbes Field,
4-3. The teams collect a total of 22 hits, all singles with Pittsburgh
collecting a dozen.
 |
| Willie Stargell |
1978 In a 6-0
victory over Montreal, Willie Stargell hits the longest home run in the history
of Olympic Stadium. The Pirates' first baseman's 535-foot blast, hit off Expos'
right-hander Wayne Twitchell, is his 407th round-tripper, tying him with Duke
Snider for career homers.
May 22
1914 Ben Tincup
becomes first person from the Cherokee tribe to play in the major leagues. The
21-year old Phillies right-hander makes his debut at Forbes Field in an 8-2
loss to the Pirates.
1968 At Wrigley
Field, Pirates' slugger Willie Stargell hits three home runs and just misses a
fourth in a 13-6 rout over the Cubs. 'Pops' also hit a single and a double
which bounced off the railing of the left field fence back onto the playing
field.
May 23
1890 A National
League record is established when the Giants and the Pittsburgh Alleghenys
combine to steal seventeen bases in a single game. New York will win the Polo
Grounds contest, 17-10.
 |
| 1964 Pirates |
May 24
1964 The major
league mark for shutouts in one day is broken as seven of the twenty major
league teams do not cross home plate. The Twins, White Sox, Yankees, Mets,
Phillies, Cardinals and Pirates are all blanked.
