1959 Pittsburgh Pirates

1959 Pittsburgh Pirates / Franchise: Pittsburgh Pirates / BR Team Page

Record: 78-76, Finished 4th in National League (1959 NL)

Managed by Danny Murtaugh

Coaches: Bill Burwell, George Detore, Jimmy Dykes, Len Levy, Sam Narron , Frank Oceak and George Sisler

Ballpark: Forbes Field

History, Comments, Contributions

After a good 1958 season, the 1959 Pittsburgh Pirates needed a lefthanded starting pitcher and more offense from the catching position. GM Joe Brown traded third baseman Frank Thomas, prospect John Powers and two others for Harvey Haddix, catcher Smoky Burgess and third baseman Don Hoak. But the Pirates missed Thomas's power. They were last in the National League in homers. 2B Bill Mazeroski slumped to a .241 average. RF Roberto Clemente missed 50 games with an elbow injury. P Bob Friend went 8-19. Red Witt developed arm problems and was ineffective. The Pirates finished in 4th place at 78-76. But 1B Dick Stuart hit .297 with 27 HRs. P Vern Law had a good season at 18-9. On May 26th, Haddix pitched one of the greatest games in National League history, losing his perfect game in the 13th inning and ending up with a loss against the Milwaukee Braves. Elroy Face was an amazing 18-1 in relief.

Awards and Honors

• All-Stars: Smoky Burgess, Roy Face, Dick Groat and Bill Mazeroski
• NL Gold Glove: Harvey Haddix (P)

Further Reading

• Lew Freedman: Hard-Luck Harvey Haddix and the Greatest Game Ever Lost, McFarland, Jefferson, NC, 2009. ISBN 978-0-7864-4124-2