Pirates | narcissism

Opening Day Roster:

As hard as it might be to believe for anyone who has followed baseball for the last 20 years, there was a time when the Pittsburgh Pirates were one of the most dominant teams in baseball. That time was called the 1970s, kids. Between 1970 and 1979, the Pirates won the National League Eastern Division 6 times, finished second 3 times and third once. In the four years they didn't win the division, they finished, cumulatively, just 18 games out. They won the NL Pennant in 1971 and 1979, and captured the World Series Championship each time. 1978 saw them finish second to the Phillies for the third consecutive, frustrating year, missing the title by just 1.5 games. For much of the season, it looked as if they would finish lower in the standings, as they endured a number of cold streaks and the Expos and Cubs looked very good. The after burners came on in mid-August, and from the 13th on they won 37 of thir final 49 games. They were elimininated on the second-to-last day of the season by, of course, the Phillies. Patience would pay off, and in 1979 the "We-Are-Fam-i-ly" Pirates captured the title. Beginning in 1980, they started to slide into mediocrity and suffered through a number of last place finishes before getting back to the post-season in 1990.

Down the the farm, Tony Pena was at AA Shreveport and Mike Easler was in AAA Columbus.

Chuck Tanner entered his second season at the helm in '78. At the beginning of the year, he signed an extension through 1980, and received an undisclosed pay increase. His coaching staff consisted of former Pirate favorite Jose Pagan at 1st, Joe Lonnett at 3rd, Alex Monchak with the hitters and Larry Sherry with the pitchers.

Bert Blyleven, SP:

Acquired from the Rangers before the season, Bert was still in the first half of his Hall of Fame career. In 1978, he led the team in starts (34), complete games (11), shut outs (4), and strikeouts (182). His 3.03 ERA was the best in the rotation. He was inconsistent throughout the year, finishing with a 14-10 record, and in July had to miss a start with tightness in his shoulder. He did manage to toss 4 shutouts, including an 11-inning, 1-0 6-hitter in Shea on April 26. At the plate, he twice recorded 3 RBI in a game. (e-Bay)

John Candelaria, SP:

Though often overlooked today, The Candy Man was one of the game's more consistent starters from '75 to '84 with Pittsburgh. In 1977 he won 20 games and led the league with a 2.34 ERA. He came to camp in 1978 21 pounds lighter, and with a new sinker he was working on. It was all the more disappointing, then, when he was plagued with inconsistency all year. After tossing a 7-hit shutout at the Cubs in his first start, he put together just a 12-11 record with a 3.24 ERA.

Jerry Reuss, SP:

Jerry started the year in the rotation, but in early May was sent to the pen. He made a number of spot-starts the rest of the way, finishing with a 3-2 record and 4.90 ERA. He managed to throw 3 complete games and even a shutout despite his limited starting duties, and his win on August 20 against the Astros marked his first since August 27, 1977. Disappointed with his lot in Pittsburgh, he mused towards the end of the season that he could still pitch, and would be winning for someone in 1979. He was traded to L.A. just before the start of the 1979 season.

Jim Bibby, RP:

Jim began the 1978 campaign in the Pirate bullpen. After 14 relief appearances, in which he compiled a 3-2 record and 2.79 ERA, he was inserted into the rotation in late May. He won his first two starts (then lost his next two), and was sent back to the pen in late August. On July 21, he threw a 6-hit shutout in San Francisco, and on September 4, in a spot start after returning to the pen, he threw a 3-hit shutout against the Mets. At the end of the year his record stood at 8-7, with a 3.53 ERA. He'd win 19 games for Pittsburgh in 1980, and make it to the All Star game.

Bruce Kison, RP:

Originally assigned to bullpen duty, Bruce joined the rotation in early August. He finished the year with a 6-6 record and 3.19 ERA. Due to a persistent problem with a blister on the middle finger of his right hand, he was on the DL from May 28 through July 6 for surgery. He had a close call in spring training when he was struck in his right eye by a foul ball off his own bat. No serious damage was done.

Jim Rooker, SP:

Like most Pirate starters, the 10-year veteran suffered from inconsistency and a lack of run support in 1978. In 28 starts, Jim managed to compile a record of just 9-11 and a 4.24 ERA. His 76 strikeouts were overmatched by his 81 walks.

Grant Jackson, RP:

In 60 relief appearances, covering 77.1 innings, the workhorse lefty earned a 7-5 record, 5 saves, and a 3.29 ERA. He'd contribute 14 saves to the championship club the next year.

Will McEnaney, RP:

A former relief ace who was on the mound to finish off the Red Sox in '75 and the Yankees in '76 for the Reds, Will was employed sparingly by the Pirates in the early portion of 1978. In 8.2 innings over 6 appearances, he ran up a 10.32 ERA. On June 10, he was sent down to Columbus. Pittsburgh gave him his release following the season, and he signed with St. Louis for 1979.

Don Robinson, RP:

The 19-year old rookie made his major league debut as a member of the Pirates' bullpen on April 10 in St. Louis - he was hit hard in 4.1 innings. After just another couple of appearances, he replaced Jerry Reuss in the rotation, and for the rest of the season was the most consistent starter on the team. He shutout the Padres on 4 hits in San Diego on May 14, and in August put together a streak of wins in 5 consecutive starts. Don ended the year with a record of 14-6 (tied with Blyleven for the team lead in wins) and 135 strikeouts (second to Bert).

Kent Tekulve, CL:

The lanky side-armer made 91 appearances in 1978, most in the league. He notched 31 saves, an 8-7 record and a very good 2.33 ERA. He took over from Dave Giusti as the team's relief ace mid-way through 1976, but had to share that tole with Rich Gossage in 1977. In 1978 he made the role his own, and he kept it through 1984. Naturally thin at 6'4", he started the year weighing 173 but dropped to just 157.5 by the time September rolled around.

Ed Ott, C:

Going into 1978, Ed had hopes of being the team's starting catcher, if he could prove himself over veteran Duffy Dyer, from whom he admitted to having learned a lot. Then the Bucs signed Manny Sanguillen, and Ott was irritated, fearing he might be relegated to 3rd string. In the end, Manny played more at first, and Ott and Dyer fell into a platoon situation, with lefty Ed getting the lion's share of the starts. He was forced to take cortisone shots in his right shoulder due to lingering pain from a collision at second with Felix Millan in 1977. Ed batted .269 with 9 HR and 38 RBI.

Jim Fregosi, IF:

In his 18th season, Jim got into 20 games as a general infield reserve before being released and retiring as a player on June 1. He was hired by the Angels as their manager the next day. His final big league appearance as a player came on May 31 in Philadelphia - he started at second, and was pulled in the bottom of the 2nd for Mario Mendoza.

Manny Sanguillen, C:

The Pittsburgh favorite was traded away to the A's after the 1976 season for $100,000 and manager Chuck Tanner. He returned from his exile just as the 1978 season started as insurance when Duffy Dyer needed to start the year on the DL. As it turned out, he played more time as a reserve 1st baseman than he did as a back-up catcher. In 85 total games, he hit .264 and drove in 16 runs.

Phil Garner, IF:

Phil played third base regularly until mid-June, when he began filling in at second occasionally so Rennie Stennett, nursing a painful ankle, could play the less-demanding third. By the beginning of August, Phil was playing second regularly after it became clear Stennett's ankle wasn't going to get better in 1978. On September 14 and 15, Phil became just the 5th player to ever hit grand slams in consecutive games.

Fernando Gonzalez, IF:

Fernando was a seldom-used reserve infielder when he was sent to Columbus on April 22 to make room for Duffy Dyer to come off the DL. He was recalled on May 18 but was sent back again on May 29. While at Columbus, on June 5, he was claimed on waivers by the Padres for whom he played regularly for a couple of years. In all, he made it into just 9 games for the Bucs in 1978.

Mario Mendoza, IF:

Mario was one of Pittsburgh's principal reserve infielders in 1978. He made over 50 appearances, playing all infield positions except first. He was used for his glove because, as the term "Mendoza Line" suggests, his bat was somewhat lacking. In '78, he actually hit .218 which, over his 9 year career, was his 4th best performance (the other 5 years all being below .200).

Willie Stargell, IF:

By 1978, Willie had migrated from the Pittsburgh outfield over to 1st base. Though he missed some time in '78 with a sore back, a pulled leg muscle and bone spurs in his right ankle, he still produced impressive numbers in his 17th season - 28 HR, 97 RBI and an average of .295. Because of his "advanced" age, he was originally not going start day games if he played the night before. That idea went by the boards quickly. He retained a youthful enthusiasm and even lost 20 pounds during the course of the season.

Rennie Stennett, IF:

On August 21, 1977, Rennie broke his ankle sliding. When spring training started, it was still swollen, but he was confident he'd be OK. He started the year at his usual spot, second base. By mid-April, he wasn't starting both games in double-headers due to soreness. By early May he was sitting when it was particularly cold. By mid June, not being able to move well latterally, he began switching places with 3rd baseman Garner. By mid-August, he was a bench player, used primarily to pinch-hit.

Frank Taveras, IF:

The Pirates' starting shortstop, Frank batted .278 with 46 stolen bases, second-best on the team (he had led the league with 70 in 1977). An erratic fielder, he made 38 errors, second among all major league shortstops. After holding the shortstop position since 1974, he had the personal and professional misfortune to be traded to the Mets for Tim Foli in April of 1979, thus missing out on the championship celebration that year.

John Milner, OF:

John spent the first couple months of 1978 backing up Willie Stargell at 1st and occasionally platooning with Bill Robinson in left. He played left more regularly as the season wore on and Robinson was used in center and at 3rd. John had gained a reputation as something of a gold brick with the Mets, riding injuires as long as he could, etc. Tanner, however, was happy with his approach and never saw what some with the Mets apparently did.

Dave Parker, OF:

From 1975 through 1987, Dave was one of the most dominant players and feared hitters in the game. As the Pirates' right fielder from 1975 through 1983, he won three Gold Gloves (1977, 1978, and 1979). In 1978 he led the team with 30 HR and 117 RBI, and hit a league-best .334. He great season was briefly interrupted on June 30 when, in a collision at home with John Stearns, he suffered 3 cracks in his left cheek bone. He was on the DL from July 1 to July 16. Coming when it did, the injury kept him out of the All Star Game, but he did earn the NL MVP Award.

In-Season Moves:

Duffy Dyer, C:

After breaking his right thumb in spring training, the veteran Dyer was forced to begin the year on the DL. He returned to action on April 22, and hit a pinch 2-run walk-off double in his first appearance. He and Ott more or less platooned the rest of the year. Neither hit particularly well, but Duffy had a better record throwing out runners, at least until the Phillies stole 13 times against him in 3 games in June.

Steve Brye, OF:

Steve was acquired from the Brewers on April 4th. He served as an outfield reserve all season, appearing in 66 games. When Dave Parker was on the DL in July, he platooned in right with John Milner. His final major league appearance was on October 1 against the Phillies - he replaced Dave Parker in right mid-way through the game, and went 1-for-2 with an RBI.

Omar Moreno, OF:

1978 was an important year for Omar - going in, everyone knew he was a outstanding defensive centerfielder, but he needed to improve at the plate to assure himself of long-term success in Pittsburgh. On June 13, he was hitting just .189, and by August 10, he had raised that to just .211. Tanner was forced to bench him in favor of Bill Robinson for a number of games because of the drag his bat placed on the line-up. By the end of the season, he remained an excellent fielder, and led the league with 71 stolen bases. However, he hit just .235. Off-season batting clinics with Harry Walker at the University of Alabama helped, and he hit .282 in 1979.

Bill Robinson, OF:

Bill started 1978 as the Pirates' regular left-fielder. He just signed a contract extension through 1980, and felt the most secure he ever had in his 11-year career. In early May, he missed some games with a bruised left thumb. When it was discovered the bruising was due to bone chips, he went to the DL from May 14 to May 29. Because his offensive numbers were down from 1977, he was occasionally platooned in left with Milner. He started for a couple weeks in center field when Moreno sat, and he was brought in to play 3rd for Stennett later in the year, platooning for a time with Dale Berra.

Dave Hamilton, RP:

Dave was purchased from the Cardinals on May 28 when Bruce Kison was placed on the DL. The lefty relief specialist made 16 appearances, took two losses, earned a save, and notched the lone ejection of his 9-year career on August 11 in Philly - Bruce Froemming sent him to the showers for throwing at Bake McBride.

Ed Whitson, RP:

Ed was summoned from Columbus on May 28. In 43 relief appearances, he recorded 4 saves, a 5-6 record, 64 strikouts (against only 37 walks) and a 3.28 ERA.

Ken Macha, IF:

For the third time in his career, Ken was the last man cut before the season started (he would have made the team if NL rosters hadn't started at 24 in 1978). Ken was called up from Columbus on June 1 when Jim Fregosi was released/retired. He was returned to Columbus on July 27 in exchange for Dale Berra, and was later recalled in September when rosters expanded. He was used a reserve 3rd baseman, seeing action in 29 games.

Steve Nicosia, C:

Steve was brought up from Columbus on July 6. He made it into only 2 games before being sent back down on July 16 when Dave Parker returned from the DL. He was recalled in September. His major league debut came on July 8 in St. Louis - he pinch-hit for Ed Whitson and flew out.

Dale Berra, IF:

Dale was retrieved from Columbus when Ken Macha was sent down on July 27. He was utilized as a starting 3rd baseman 35 times the rest of the way, often as part of a platoon arrangement with Bill Robinson. On September 3rd against the Braves, he hit a pinch walk-off 3-run HR.

Dave May, OF:

Purchased from the Brewers on September 13, Dave got into 5 games, including his final major league appearance as a pinch-hitter on October 1 (he drew a walk).

Clarence Gaston, OF:

The future World Series-winning manager was purchased from the Braves on September 22. He made only 2 appearances, including the last of his major league career on October 1 - he was a defensive replacement in left.

Matt Alexander, OF:

Called up in September, Matt was used in 7 games exclusively as a pinch-runner. He stole 4 bases, was caught stealing just once, and scored 2 runs.

Odell Jones, RP:

Odell pitched with the big club throughout 1977, but was only active in '78 as a September call-up. He made two relief appearances, and started one game. In this action he earned two wins, including in his start on the final day of the season against the Phillies.

Alberto Lois, OF:

Called up in September, Alberto made his major league debut on the 8th - he pinch-ran for Manny Sanguillen in the 9th at Shea in a 3-2 Pirates' loss. He got into only 2 more games as 1978 ran out.

Dorian Boyland, IF:

A September call-up, Dorian made his major league debut on the 4th, pinch-hitting for Ed Whitson against the Mets. In 8 at-bats in September, he had 2 hits and scored a single run.

Clay Carroll, RP:

After going 3-6 with 7 saves at Columbus, the long-time Cincinnati bullpen hand was called up by the Pirates in September. He made just 2 appearances, including his final major league appearance - on October 1 against the Phillies, he threw 2 innings in relief of Odell Jones.