1988 Pittsburgh Pirates

1988 Pittsburgh Pirates / Franchise: Pittsburgh Pirates / BR Team Page

Record: 85-75, Finished 2nd in NL Eastern Division (1988 NL)

Managed by Jim Leyland

Coaches: Rich Donnelly, Gene Lamont, Milt May, Ray Miller and Tommy Sandt

Ballpark: Three Rivers Stadium

History, Comments, Contributions

The 1988 Pittsburgh Pirates lineup and starting rotation both featured potent high-performance trios, leading the team to 85 wins and a second place finish in the National League East, a vast improvement over the Bucs of the early-mid 1980s and an indicator of what was to come in 1990-1992 (after an off-year in 1989). Barry Bonds (24 HR, 58 RBI, 17 SB, 148 OPS+), Bobby Bonilla (24 HR, 100 RBI, 32 2B, 143 OPS+) and Andy Van Slyke (25 HR, 100 RBI, 101 R, 30 SB, 15 3B, 144 OPS+) were the primary drivers of the offense, but after them it was a steep drop off. Jose Lind contributed 160 hits, but slashed just .262/.308/.324, while Sid Bream added 122 hits and 37 doubles. 28-year-old catcher Junior Ortiz was a secret weapon off the bench, contributing 33 hits and a .280 batting average in 49 games, while 26-year-old Randy Milligan showed potential with a 124 OPS+ in 82 at-bats, despite a .220 batting average. Anchoring the rotation were Doug Drabek, (15-7, 3.08) Bob Walk (12-10, 2.71) and John Smiley (13-11, 3.25). 28-year-old Dave LaPoint showed potential with a 4-2, 2.77, 8-start stint, as well. The bullpen was led by Jim Gott, who had 34 saves in 67 appearances, and Jeff Robinson, who won 11 games in relief and posted a 3.03 ERA. The team finished last in the league in strikeouts and complete games. At 21, Miguel Garcia was the youngest player on the team; 32-year-old Dave Hostetler was the oldest.

Awards and Honors

• All-Stars: Bobby Bonilla, Andy Van Slyke and Bob Walk
• NL Gold Glove: Andy Van Slyke (OF)
• NL Silver Slugger Award: Bobby Bonilla (3B) and Andy Van Slyke (OF)