Video: Pirates alumni invade Bradenton

I?m one of these Pirates fans that were too young to remember the fabled 1960 season.

I was three. I remember my father telling me that when Maz hit the home run, he could turn down the sound and hear the roar of the crowd. My mother went downtown with a friend to join the celebration.

Somehow, the got a hold of the 1960 World Series yearbook, which is a part of my Pirates collection.
I was three. I probably took a nap.

For those of you who are old enough to remember the 1960 regular season, please share your stories.

For those of us who were not, I?m going to relive the 1960 Pirates regular season, from stem to stern, beginning with a look at spring training. I?ll follow the Bucs day by day during the season with the help of http://www.baseball-almanac.com and http://www.baseball-reference.com.

So, with the help of several books written on the Buccos, and the Hot Tub Time Machine, I?ll be going back to 1960?.back when the Pirates wore the cut-off sleeve uniforms and back when the Pirates logo was the cartoon logo drawn by Jack Berger Sr. of The Pittsburgh Press. My goal is to return to Pittsburgh to celebrate Maz?s homerun at the Forbes Field wall. ..and then return to our apartment on S. Winebiddle St. in Bloomfield, so that I can hear the crowd roar.

Let?s Go Bucs? No?.Beat ?Em Bucs!

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates? season from stem to stern!
The pitching staff
The pitching staff of the 1960 Pirates is one that is loaded with question marks. Only three pitchers seem to be a sure thing ? Staff ace Vernon Law, lefty starter Harvey Haddix and bullpen ace ElRoy Face. Danny Murtaugh and pitching coach Bill Burwell are hoping that Bob Friend can rebound from his 19 loss season. They?re also hoping that they can find a fourth starter who can replace right hander Ronnie Kline.
This year, the Bucs will once again trust the solid arm of Vernon Law to lead the starting staff. Law had 33 starts with the Pirates finishing with an 18-9 record and a 2.98 ERA and two shutouts. It was the best season in ?The Deacon?s? pro career. Law might have had more wins. He lost three games due to shutouts.
In his first full season as a Pirate, Haddix finished the season with a 12 win, 12 loss record and a respectable 3.13 ERA. He pitched in over 200 innings, led the Bucs in strikeouts with 149 and shared May?s NL Player of the Month with Milwaukee?s Henry Aaron. However, ?The Kitten? will always be remembered for his performance in Milwaukee on the night of May 26th. Haddix would pitch a 9 inning no-hitter against the Braves, retiring 36 batters only to lose it in the 12th by a score of 1-0.
Attempting to lose weight during a spring training crash diet, veteran Bob Friend also lost his strength. As a result, the 22 game winner in 1958 fell to winning only 8 games. His ERA shot up from 3.68 to 4.03. His 19 losses tied him with Washington?s Pedro Ramos for most losses by a right-handed pitcher in 1959. Friend began the season 0-7 before notching his first victory on May 28 by shutting out the Braves. Many of Friend?s losses were due to bad run support by his teammates. He lost five games due to shutouts, lost two games by one run and lost three others by two run margins.
Kline, of Callery. Pa., was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals by General Manager Joe L. Brown in order to bolster his offense with outfielder Gino Cimoli. However, Kline won 11 games in 29 starts (11-13, 4.26). Hopefully, right-handed pitcher Tom Cheney, also acquired in the deal, can take Kline?s place. Cheney boasts a fine overhand curveball but must improve on his 5-6, 4.38 record at AAA Omaha.
The front runner to take Kline?s spot is right-hander Bennie Daniels. A spot starter, Daniels finished the season with a 7-9 record and a 5.44 ERA. Daniels is having better success in controlling his constantly moving fastball, improving his total walks and strikeouts, 39 and 67 respectively.
George ?Red? Witt, a right-hander, started 11 games and won none of them, finishing 0-7 with a 6.88 ERA. Witt suffered from an injury to his pitching elbow, sustained in spring training. Big things were expected from Witt, who was 9-2 with a 1.61 ERA with the Bucs in 1958.

The Pirates will count on other candidates to battle for Kline?s vacated starters spot or a place with ElRoy Face in the bullpen. Rookie left-hander Fred Green came up to stay in August and finished with a record of 1-2 and a 3.13 ERA with one start. Another sore armed southpaw, Don Gross, is still trying to establish himself. Gross appeared in 21 games with a 1-1 record. He came to the Pirates in 1957 from the Reds for South Hills graduate Bob Purkey. Purkey has won 30 games in the past two seasons for the Reds. Right-hander Curt Raydon, an 8 game winner in 1958, developed arm trouble and spent the whole 1959 season in AAA Columbus, where he was 7-4, 2.92.
Paul Giel, a right-hander claimed on waivers from the Giants last April, was 5-5 with a 4.75 ERA in Columbus. Jim Umbricht, a right-hander who started one game with the Bucs last year, may be Face?s set up man. Umbricht was Salt Lake City?s ace reliever, appearing in 47 games (five starts) with a 14-8 record and a trim 2.78 ERA. Rookie southpaw Joe Gibbon was 16-9 with a 2.60 ERA in Columbus as was rookie right-hander Earl Francis, who was 6-5, 3.33 at AAA Salt Lake City. Both may make their major league debuts this year.
ElRoy Face once again anchors the bullpen. Face finished the season with an unprecedented 18 wins for a pitcher with no starts, along with a 2.70 ERA and 10 saves. Face won 17 games in a row. He went a whole month (June 11 to July 12) without giving up a run, earning him June?s NL Player of the Month. Only three of Face?s 18 wins came after he allowed the other team to go ahead. Face was also a NL All-Star, appearing in both 1959 All-Star games at Forbes Field and in Los Angeles.
Face?s left-handed setup man may be a 41 year old rookie! Diomedes Olivo, born in 1919, was acquired by the Pirates from Poza Rica in the Mexican League. Signed by the Reds in 1955, Olivo has yet to appear in a major league game.
Pitching coach Bill Burwell joined Danny Murtaugh?s staff in 1958. Burwell pitched for the Bucs from 1928-1933. He has served in several capacities in the Pittsburgh organization, including interim manager in 1947 after the firing of Billy Herman.

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates? season from stem to stern!
The Infielders
Leading the Bucs once again offensively will be power hitting right handed first-baseman Dick Stuart. Stuart played his first full season In the majors in 1959 and never suffered from the ?sophomore jinx?. Stuart led the Pirates in round trippers (27) and RBI?s (78) and tied catcher Smokey Burgess with a .297 batting average. As a pinch hitter, Stuart hit .313 with 5 hits in 16 at bats.
Rocky Nelson will take over as the left handed first baseman after the Pirates traded Ted Kluszewski to the Chicago White Sox, where he banged out 3 homer runs and 10 RBI?s in the World Series. Nelson played in 98 games, where he hit .291 with 6 homers and 32 RBI?s. ?The Rock? returned to the Pirates, where he played 71 games in 1951. He was drafted from Toronto in the winter baseball meetings of 1958 As a pitch-hitter, Nelson was called on 40 times. He led the Bucs with 13 hits with 5 doubles, a home run and 6 walks for a .396 average. In August, Danny Murtaugh called on Nelson to be his starting first-baseman. He responded with a .391 average, with 29 hits, 4 homers and 18 RBI?s. Rocky did a pretty decent job fielding, making only 3 errors in 360 chances.
Stellar second-baseman Bill Mazeroski struggled in 1959. A few extra pounds and a season nagging charley horse hampered his performance. The charley horse was so bad that it would eventually force him out of the lineup on June 17th in Chicago. Up until then, Maz had played in 216 consecutive games. Maz?s hitting also suffered in 1959. His average dropping from .275 with 19 homers in 1958 to .241 with only seven homers in 1959. Maz did have a fielding percentage of .981 with 13 errors in 689 tries.
Pirates team captain, Dick Groat, hit .275 in 147 games for the Bucs, which garnered him an invitation by Milwaukee and former Pirates manager Fred Haney. Defensively, despite his 29 errors, Groat led N.L. shortstops in putouts (301), total chances (803) and double plays (97). Groat was second only to Ernie Banks of Chicago with 473 assists.
Replacing the popular local product Frank Thomas at third was gritty veteran Don Hoak. Hoak was the only player to play in all 155 Pirate games. In doing so, he racked up a .296 batting average, 65 RBI?s, 29 doubles, three triples and 8 homers. The former Marine and WWII vet, Hoak had the longest hitting streak on the club ? 14 games ? from June 4th through the 16th, when he collected 24 hits in 54 at bats. Hoak came over in the Frank Thomas trade with the Reds that also brought the Bucs Harvey Haddix and Smokey Burgess. Hoak would love to get back to the World Series, having received a ring with the 1955 Dodgers.
Since coming to the Pirates in a 1958 trade with St. Louis (for infielders Gene Freese and Johnny O?Brien) infielder Dick Schofield saw a majority of his time used as a pinch hitter and pinch runner. However, he was very valuable at spelling Bill Mazeroski during a leg injury and hit safely in all but 6 of the 19 games he played. Schofield inherited his nickname and baseball prowess, from his father, the original ?Ducky? Schofield, who also played pro baseball as an infielder.
The Pirates resigned infielder Gene Baker with hopes that he has rebounded from his knee injury. He was injured on July 13, 1958 in St. Louis while playing in on a bunt by Curt Flood. Catching his spikes on the infield, grass, Baker tore the ligaments and tendon in his left knee. The injury kept Baker off the field all of 1959. Baker came over from the Cubs in 1957 in a trade with Dee Fondy for Dale Long and Lee Walls.
Other candidates for the infield positions include third baseman/outfielder Harry Bright, who chimed in with a .250 average and 8 RBI?s in 48 games. R. C. Stevens appeared in 3 games, getting a homer and RBI in his 2 hits. Minor leaguer Dick Barone is an excellent defensive shortstop with some pop. He drove in 51 RBI?s with AAA Salt Lake City.
However, the prospect to keep an eye on is a good looking young infielder named Julian Javier. He?s a right handed hitting second baseman who hit .274 with 30 RBI?s at AAA Columbus. Of course, he?ll only appear in the majors if there is a lengthy injury to Bill Mazeroski, or if he is traded.
On a side note, Oakland native Frank Thomas will be with his third team in three years. On December 6, 1959, Thomas was traded by the Reds to the Chicago Cubs for three players, one of which was his teammate with the Pirates, outfielder Lee Walls. Thomas was traded by the Pirates to the Reds for catcher Smokey Burgess, third baseman Don Hoak and left-handed pitcher Harvey Haddix. After a successful career with the Pirates, Thomas? offense tailed off considerably in Cincinnati, He fell from 35 home runs with the Bucs in 1958 to 12 and from 109 RBI?s to 47.

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates? season from stem to stern!
MEET THE SKIPPER: DANNY MURTAUGH
It?s March 1960, and it?s Spring Training at Ft. Myers Florida?s Terry Park. Danny Murtaugh, the tobacco-chewing manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates is surveying his players, trying to decide which 25 he will take North with him. The Bucs will prepare for their 79th season in the National League and Murtaugh has to determine which team he?ll field, the 1958 team that finished in second place with an 84-75 record or the 1959 team that fell to fourth place in 1959 with a 78-76 record, finishing just two games above .500.
Murtaugh, an infield coach with the Pirates, took over as interim manager from Bobby Bragan on August 3, 1957. In the final 51 games of the season, the Bucs finished in seventh with a 26-25 record. Then, came 1958 and the Pirates, after several seasons of futility, looked like they were finally turning the corner. Murtaugh, in his first full season as manager, led his team to a second place finish with an 84-70 record. As a result, he won the ?Manager of the Year? award.
The Pirates fortunes looked bright in 1959, especially after general Manager Joe L. Borwn pulled the trigger on a trade in January of 1959. That was when Brown traded Oakland native and fan favorite Frank Thomas to the Cincinnati Reds for catcher Smokey Burgess, third baseman Don Hoak and left-handed pitcher Harvey Haddix. With the trade, the Pirates felt they had filled three key holes and were primed to win their first pennant since 1927.
However, the Pirates would stumble to a fourth place finish. Bob Friend fell from 22 wins in 1958 to 19 losses in 1959. Both Bob Skinner, Gene Baker and Roberto Clemente were injured and on the shelf for a number of games, which exposed holes in Murtaugh?s bench. Pitchers Curt Raydon and George Witt were also shelved. Joe L. Brown made more trades, some of which may hamper the Pirates with even more questions.
Murtaugh watched as his pitching coach, Bill Burwell was putting his pitchers through their training exercises, and wondered who would replace his right-hander, Ronnie Kline, in his starting rotation. Looking to bolster his outfield, Brown traded Kline to St. Louis for outfielder Gino Cimoli. Murtaugh also had to figure out how to work Cimoli into an outfield that consisted of Bob Skinner, Bill Virdon and Roberto Clemente.
Before the 1959 season, Murtaugh had asked Brown for some offense from the catching position. Burgess more than filled the bill, tying first baseman Dick Stuart for the team leading batting average with .297. However, Burgess did the lion?s share of the catching and Murtaugh wanted a right-handed hitting catcher with some pop. Brown responded by acquiring Hal Smith from Kansas City in a trade that included the good fielding, no hit Hank Foiles.
Murtaugh continued to watch the pitchers, trying to decide who would step up to the starting rotation. Bennie Daniels was the favorite. Perhaps George Witt could return to his 1958 form, where he was 9-2 with a 1.61 ERA. Maybe Tom Cheney, also acquired in the Ronnie Kline trade would pan out.
Murtaugh is confident that this year?s Pirates will be competitive and that the fall of 1959 was due to too many injuries. ?When all our ballplayers are playing up to their potential, we do not have an outstanding weakness in our lineup. As our team now stands, we have a good defense, adequate team speed and a pretty good hitting team.?
Danny Murtaugh was born some 42 years ago in Chester, Pa., a city on the Delaware River just west of Philadelphia. He played American Legion baseball with his best friend, Washington Senators? star first baseman Mickey Vernon. Vernon recently retired after 17 seasons and joined Murtaugh on the Bucs as his first base coach.
Murtaugh, a second baseman, began his pro baseball career in 1937 when he was signed by St. Louis as an amateur free agent. In 1941, his contract was purchased by the hometown Phillies . He stayed with the Phils until he joined the military in 1944. When he was discharged in 1946, his contract was sold to the Cardinals, who then sent him to AAA Rochester. The Boston Braves drafted him in November of 1946, where he appeared in three games. He would spend most of 1946 with the AAA Milwaukee Brewers, leading them to the American Association pennant and victory in the Little World Series.
On November 18, 1947, the Braves traded Murtaugh and first baseman Johnny Hopp for Al Lyons, Jim Russell and Bill Salkeld. Danny would have his breakout season. He hit .290 with 71 RBI?s. He also had a .979 fielding average (17 errors in 804 chances). As a result, Danny finished 9th in the voting for Most Valuable Player in the National League, finishing ahead of players such as Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Gil Hodges.
Murtaugh began his managing career in 1952, when he took over the helm of the New Orleans Pelicans. It was there that he met a young baseball executive named Joe L. Brown. After a three year stint in New Orleans and a stop in Charleston, West Va., Murtaugh returned to the Bucs as coach in 1956.
Danny?s been married to the former Kathleen Cook since November 29, 1941. He and Kate have three children, Timmy (16), Danny Jr. (12) and Kathy (10). Their winter home is in Woodlyn, Pa., just up the highway from Chester.
During the off season, you can find Danny at McGovern’s Men’s Store over on Market Street in Chester. He accepts no pay, saying that McGovern?s was kind enough to give him a job when he was a player.
Danny enjoys cigars off the field. He is a teetotaler, drinking nothing stronger than milk. He?s a calm, good natured, down to earth fellow who has earned the respect of his players. Upon taking over the managerial reins in 1957, Danny told his players, ?I don?t want you to respect me just because I?m the manager, I want to earn your respect.? Apparently they have. His catcher, Smokey Burgess said, ?There are a lot of great managers around, but I never seen a manager in the same category s Danny Murtaugh. He studied everything and got the most talent out of his players. You had to treat a Dick Stuart or a Dick Groat or myself differently. Danny did.? His third baseman, Don Hoak, added ?As long as you?re doing okay, he doesn?t touch you. If your messing up, he?s just over your shoulder, showing you the right way.?
It was Murtaugh that had the vision to remove ElRoy Face from his starting rotation and turn him into his bullpen ace. This was one of his first decisions as manager. Face has responded into one of the best in the business, responding with an 18-1 record, a 2.70 ERA and 10 saves.
However, being an eternal optimist, Danny Murtaugh believes that the Pirates team that he takes with him back to Pittsburgh will seriously contend for the National League pennant in 1960 and that they will play well enough and hard enough to keep his Irish eyes smiling.

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates? season from stem to stern!

TERRY PARK SERVES PIRATES WELL AS SPRING TRAINING HOME

It was a beautiful sunshiny day at Terry Park in Ft. Myers, Florida. The Pirates are going through their drills as they get ready for the 1960 baseball season that is literally just a few weeks away. The ballclub looks relaxed and confident. One of the reasons for their finishing in the first division in the National League, after years close to or in the cellar, could be that they finally had a consistent spring training home.

Terry Park, long a spring training home and recently rebuilt, seems like a quite a good fit for the Pirates. After years of moving around, from Birmingham to Jacksonville, to Muncie, Indiana and Miami Beach, to San Antonio, San Bernardino and Selma, after 14 different Spring Training sites, the Pirates finally had a first place facility in Ft. Myers.

In 1953, the Pirates had a horrible spring training when then General Manager Branch Rickey, in an attempt to save some money, delayed in renegotiating a return to San Bernardino, California and had to send the Pirates to Havana, Cuba. The move, in miserable conditions, prevented the Bucs from playing against other established major league teams. This oversight was corrected the next season when the Pirates moved to Ft. Pearce, Florida.

In the meantime, Terry Park, named for the family that donated the grounds in the 1920?s, was being refurbished. Once the Spring Training headquarters of the Philadelphia Athletics and Cleveland Indians, Terry Park lay dormant after being destroyed by a fire in 1943. After being rebulilt in 1955, the Pirates came in and have been here ever since.
The main field, where exhibition games are played, sits in the middle of the compound. The seating area is completely covered by a roof to protect fans from the hot Florida sun. A practice field sits just north of the playing field. Two more are positioned just south, giving the Pirates plenty of room to work on their skills.

No longer spring training vagabonds, the Pirates have a wonderful spring training home and should be there for many a year. Hopefully, the sign telling fans that Terry Park is the Spring Training homes of the Pirates will have two words added to it – ?World Champions?.

BEAT ?EM BUCS
Following the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
SOLID SCOUTING BUILDS CONTENDING BUCCOS
As the Pittsburgh Pirates begin their 74th season, one thing is for certain…for a team to survive in a midsize industrial metropolis, scouting and player development is essential. Not every club in the Major Leagues have the financial clout of the Yankees or the Dodgers. In order to compete and stay competitive, the Pirates have to be as accurate as the finest timepiece.
Owners John W. Galbreath, Thomas P. Johnson and the legendary crooner Bing Crosby are certain of that. They have faith in their General Manager, Joe L. Brown, son of another show biz legend, Joe E. Brown. Brown is adept in brining in talent from the farm system, the invention of his predecessor, Mr. Branch Rickey. Eleven of the players on the Bucs? 40 man roster are straight from the Pittsburgh farm system, including starting pitchers Vern Law, Bob Friend and Bennie Daniels. Starters Bob Skinner, Bill Mazeroski and Dick Stuart are home grown. Dick Groat was signed straight out of college and given a major league uniform. He has yet to play an inning of minor league ball.
If the ever was a silver lining that was in the cloud of the early 1950?s, it was taking advantage of the minor league draft. Through thorough scouting, the Pirates were able to draft right fielder Roberto Clemente. Savvy trades brought in Bill Virdon, Harvey Haddix, Don Hoak and Smokey Burgess among others…and many times at the expense of losing popular players such as Frank Thomas and Bob by DelGreco.
However, it takes a team of scouts, farm directors and coaches, working like a well oiled machine to get the optimum team on the field for their fans. A full time staff of 47 scouts scour the countryside as well as south of the border. Expert evaluators such as Howie Haak, George DeTore, Bob Zuk and Syd Thrift review and study the young prospects and report their findings back to Scouting Director Rex Bowen and his assistant, Merrill Hess. Should the prospect be signed to a contract, he will then be assigned to one of several levels of farm clubs, overseen, of course, by Branch Rickey Jr. and his assistant, Bill Turner.
If a prospect is worth his salt, he will eventually make it to the major leagues. However, he must prove himself on each level and be evaluated by each farm team?s field manager. At Rookie level Salem, Virginia, fans got to see outfielder Art Blunt whallop 14 home runs. At Grand Forks, the Pirates? rookie ?C? league club, spectators marvelled at the smooth glove work of shortstop Gene Michael. In Idaho Falls of the Pioneer League, first baseman Donn Clendennon, shortstop Roberto Sanchez and catcher James Campbell helped the team finish in the final round of the playoffs. In Wilson of the Carolina League, former Pirate catcher Harding ?Pete? Peterson took his club to a sweep of the playoffs in his first year as player-manager, mainly with the help of outfielder George Watts and pitcher Bob Veale. Young Mr. Veale, whose father played in the Negro Leagues, finished with an impressive 12 win, five loss record which includes a no-hitter. Columbus, Georgia manager Ray Hathaway was voted manager of the year in the Sally League. Manager Larry Shepherd took his AAA club in Salt Lake from dead last in the middle of the season to first place, with the help of his bullpen ace, Jim Umbricht. Shepherd was also named manager of the year. Cal Ermer?s AAA Columbus Jets almost took the International League pennant in the last weeks of the season. They finished second.
The minor league players are evaluated by Mr. Brown and his staff. Who has the tools to make it as a big leaguer? Just as important, who would they part with as trade bait to fill another hole? Take the case of the Pirates? young shortstop-second baseman Julian Javier. His glove is major league ready. He is speedy on the base paths. Even if his hitting does come around (he hit .274 with 6 home runs and 30 RBI?s in 1959), will he be good enough to move Dick Groat or Bill Mazeroski out of the middle infield? As they are one of the best double play combos in the majors, it?s more likely that young Javier may be traded, perhaps for a starting pitcher. It is here that accurate evaluation of talent is even more crucial, to ensure that the player that is receive is worth giving up a prized young prospect. It is that accurate evaluation of talent, on all levels, that is necessary for a major league franchise to be continuously and consistently successful.

BEAT ?EM BUCS
Following the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
1960 PREDICTIONS
The Pittsburgh Pirates begin the 1960 season with many concerns. Will Bennie Daniels be able to replace Ronnie Kline as a starter? Will Bob Friend be able to rebound after a disastrous season? Will Bob Skinner and Roberto Clemente be able to rebound from their injuries?
Last year, the Pirates fell from second place to fourth, only two games above .500. The will have to compete with the defending World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the former two time National league champion Milwaukee Braves. Throw the San Francisco Giants into the mix and the Pirates have a pretty steep hill to climb. Still, Dick Young of the New York Daily News, has gone out on a limb and picked the previously woebegone Pirates to win their first pennant in 33 years.
What do the other National League teams look like? Let?s take a look!

Los Angeles Dodgers
88-68
World Champions
4 games to 2 over the Chicago White Sox
Walter Alston?s Dodger?s will defend their second world championship in five years, their first on the West Coast. His starting pitching is pretty well set with his four horsemen, Don Drysdale, Johnny Podres, Roger Craig and Sandy Koufax. Drysdale was a 17 game winner. Podres won 14. Craig had an excellent ERA of 2.06. Koufax struggled a bit, going 8-6 with a 4.05 ERA but should surely rebound. The bullpen is anchored by Larry Sherry with Clem Labine as setup.
Offensively, Gil Hodges and Duke Snider once again provided the offensive pop. However, Hodges may move to third base to open the first sack for young slugger Frank Howard. Charlie Neal and Joe Gilliam provide a steady infield. Watch out for speedy youngster Maury Will who had seven RBI?s when called up as well as seven stolen bases out of ten attempts.
PREDICTION – Second place.

Milwaukee Braves
86-70 2 games behind
Second place Finish

With their fall to second place, the Braves replaced former Pirate manager Fred Haney with Charlie Dressen, the long time Dodger manager who last managed the Senators back in 1957. He starts off with as solid a pitching staff as you?ll find. Both right hander Lew Burdette and lefty Warren Spahn had 21 wins. Spahn had a sharp 2.96 ERA. Righty Bob Buhl had 15 wins and a 2.86 ERA. Don McMahon came out of the bullpen with 15 saves.
Power is the name of the Braves offense. Third sacker Eddie Matthews led the ANational League with 46 home runs. Hammerin? Hank Aaron led the NL in batting average, hits, extra base hits and total bases. First baseman Joe Adcock, who broke up Harvey Haddix?s perfect game, hit 25 home runs that counted. If you recall, Adcock hit the home run to win the game. However, Aaron left the basepaths and Adcock passed him for the second out. Adcock was credited with a double.
PREDICTION – First place. Should easily rebound.

San Francisco Giants
83-71 4 games behind
Third Place Finish
How the Giants fare this year depends on how they play in their new ballpark. They leave tiny Seals Stadium for Candlestick Park, which sits on Candlestick Point on the bay. Candlestick is the first park built of reinforced concrete. There are no girders to obstruct your view. Bill Rigney will rely once again on his right-left power punch of Sam Jones (21 wins) and Johnny Antonelli. (19 wins). Righty Jock Sanford contributed 15 wins. Stu Miller got eight saves and eight wins out of the pen. However, the Giants have a secret weapon, a minor league aspirin hurler named Juan Marichal, who will most certainly make it to the big leagues before the All-Star break.
Offensively, the Giants were led once again by their perennial superstar, Willie Mays, who hit .313 with34 homers and 104 RBI?s. He should adapt very well to his third park in three years. Slugging first baseman Orlando Cepeda will most likely move to left field to make way for 1959 Rookie of the Year Willie McCovey, who hit 13 home runs in limited duty. Outfielder Willie Kirkland contributed 22 home runs. Another rookie to watch for is outfielder Felipe Alou, who hit 10 home runs in limited duty.
PREDICTION – Third place, despite many experts picking them to win the pennant. To me, it depends on how well the new park plays.

Cincinnati Reds
74-80 13 games behind
Fifth Place tie
PREDICTION – Sixth place.
Mayo Smith?s club still has the offensive trifecta of Frank Robinson, former Pirate Gus Bell and centerfielder Vada Pinson, possibly the most underrated player in the national League. Jerry Lynch took over in left field when Frank Thomas struggled. and hit 17 homers and 58 RBI?s. Pitching wise, the addition of 19 game winner Cal McLish (from Cleveland for second baseman Johnny Temple) will help Don Newcombe and former Bucco Bob Purkey, both with 13 wins. Billy Martin also came over from the Indians to take Temple?s spot at second.

Chicago Cubs
74-80 13 games behind
Fifth Place tie
PREDICTION – Seventh place.
Manager Bob Scheffing will be getting help from newcombers Frank Thomas, Richie Ashburn and Don Zimmer to help pull the Cubs out of the fifth place tie. However, both Thomas and Ashburn are coming off sub-par years and are looking for a change of scenery to help. Thomas, who suffered from an injured hand all last season, rejoins former Pirate teammates Dale Long and Lee Walls. All three will receive competition from rookies Billy Williams, Ron Santo and possibly speedster Lou Brock. Veterans Tony Taylor and Bobby Thompson will help Ernie Banks (.375, 34 HR and 143 RBI?s) with the bulk of the Cubbie offense.
Pitching wise, Scheffing?s starters remain as follows, ace Glen Hobbie (16 wins) and Bob Anderson (12 wins). Closer Don Elston finished 1959 with 13 saves.

St Louis Cardinals
71-83 16 games behind
Fifth Place Finish
PREDICTION – Fifth place.
Solly Hemus?s club finished 12 games under .500, but may be considered the dark horse in the National League. Acquiring Ronnie Kline from the Bucs may be the horse the Cards? starting rotation. Kline joins Larry Jackson (14-13, 3.30 ERA), Wilmer ?Vinegar Bend? Mizell (13-10, 4.20 ERA) and Eddie Broglio, who was 7-12. Look for one of these vets to make room for two rookie strong arms, Bob Miller and Bob Gibson. Gibson, a former Harlem Globetrotter was 3-5 with 3.33 in 9 games. Miller was 4-3 with a 3.31 ERA. There?s also 19 year old lefty Ray sadecki, who could contribute. Lindy McDaniel is the closer with 14 wins, 12 losses, 15 saves and a 3.82 ERA.
Donora?s own superstar, Stan ?The Man? Musial will once again anchor first base. He struggled with un-Musial like numbers of .255, 14 homers and 44 RBI?s. Third baseman Ken Boyer led the club with 94 RBI?s. Left fielder Bill White was tied with former Card Gino Cimoli with 72 RBI?s. Cimoli came to the Bucs for Ronnie Kline, possibly to make room for youngster Curt Flood.

Philadelphia Phillies
64-90 23 games behind
Seventh place Finish
PREDICTION – Eighth place.
Eddie Sawyer takes his patchwork quilt of a club to battle some heart but a lot of rookies.
Battling for a start in the Phil?s starting rotation is left hander Chris Short and right handers Art Mahaffey and Dallas Green. They fight to join a rotation with ace Robin Roberts, Curt Simmons and 12 game winners Jim Owens and Gene Conley.
Third baseman Al Dark brings his 45 RBI?s over from the Cubs for long time Phil Richie Ashburn. However, they lose 70 RBI?s from the position when they traded Gene Freese to the White Sox for youngster Johnny Callison. George ?Sparky? Anderson drove in 34 RBI?s and played a steady second base. First baseman Wally Post had 22 home runs and 94 RBI?s. Either Dark or Post will make way for promising young rookie power hitter Pancho Herrera.

AND THE PIRATES? Just too many question marks. They?ll be hard pressed to replace Ronnie Kline as a starter. Will Clemente be able to rebound from his sore arm? Will Skinner be healthy a full year? The Pirates don?t have the pop to beat the Giants and the starting pitching to beat the Dodgers. Fourth place, just like 1959.

THE AMERICAN LEAGUE? Many experts are picking the White Sox to repeat as AL Pennant champs. They say the Yankees may be past their prime. How can you be past your prime with a staff of Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Bobby Richardson and Art Ditmar? Once again, the path to the World Champions goes through the Bronx.

BEAT ‘EM BUCS

Following the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!

April 12, 1960

BUCS LOSE SEASON OPENER 4-3

Face gives up two-run HR to Adcock in 8th.

MILWAUKEE – Elroy Face lost only one game in 1959. On opening day, he equaled his loss total.

Face gave up a two-run home run to Joe Adcock, the same man that took Harvey Haddix deep to ruin last years’ no-hit attempt, and gave the Milwaukee Braves a 4 to 3 Opening day victory over the Pirates.

Face came on in the top of the eight inning in relief for starter Bob Friend, and promptly surrendered a base hit to Henry Aaron leading off. Adcock then sent his third hit of the day over the fence to snap a 2-2 tie.

Friend, trying to rebound from a disappointing 1959 season, pitched very well in his season opener. He went seven innings, giving up two earned runs on seven hits. The Braves drew first blood in the bottom of the first inning when Billy Bruton lead off with a base hit and scored on Adcock’s single. Friend shut out the Braves until the bottom of the seventh when he gave up a lead off home run to his mound counterpart, Warren Spahn.

The Pirates rallied with two runs in the top of the eighth off of Spahn to tie the game and added a run in the top of the ninth off of reliever Don McMahon before closer Lew Burdette shut the door on the Buccos for his first save of the season.

Hal Smith, in his first game for the Pirates, went 2-3 with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored.

The Bucs head home to beautiful Forbes Field on Thursday afternoon, April 14th to start a ten game home stand against the Reds, Phillies and Braves.

Vernon Law, on the strength of his 18-9 season will start the home opener against the Reds’ Cal McLish (19-8, 3.63). The former Pirate was acquired by Cincinnati during the off season along with former Yankee second baseman Billy Martin for second baseman Johnny Temple.

The box score for the game can been seen at the following URL:

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196004120MLN

BEAT ‘EM BUCS

Following the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!

April 16, 1960

REDS’ CAP’N HOOK SCUTTLES BUCS

Hook goes the distance as the Reds rout the Pirates

PITTSBURGH – On Thursday, the Pirates pounded the Reds and enjoyed a day of rest. On Saturday, the Reds responded…and not too kindly.

Jay Hook, the Cincinnati right hander who won just five games last season, held the Bucs to only seven hits as the Reds evened the opening series with the Pirates by beating them 11-3.

Former Pirate Lee Walls roughed up reliever Paul Giel by taking him deep for a 2 run homer in the eighth. Walls was 2-4 with three runs scored and three RBI’s. The Pirates attempted a mini-rally against Hook in the bottom of the ninth when they scored two runs. However, it wasn’t nearly enough to yank Hook off the mound as he earned his first complete game of the season.

The Pirates were down by only a run up to the sixth inning. However, Jim Umbricht struggled in the sixth, giving up four runs. Danny Murtaugh called on southpaw reliever Fred Green to shut the door. Paul Giel finished the game but gave up five runs, four earned and five hits in three innings.

Along with Walls, Gus Bell was 2 for 5 with a triple, Frank Robinson was 2 for 3 with a double and Ed Bailey was a perfect 5 for 5.

Dick Groat and Dick Stuart were 2 for 4 with an RBI each in a losing cause. Don Hoak and Bob Skinner both legged out triples.

The Pirates finish out their series with the Reds with a Sunday double header at Forbes Field. Right hander Bob Friend will pitch the opener against left hander Joe Nuxhall. The second game will feature Bennie Daniels for the Bucs and Don Newcombe for the Reds.

Today’s box score can be found at the following URL:

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196004160PIT

BEAT ‘EM BUCS
Following the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
BY D Frizzi

BUCS KNOCKED OUT ON THREE HITS!
Skinner’s Three-Run Homer Only Saving Grace
Tuesday, April 19th 1960

PITTSBURGH – The Philadelphiia Phillies, winner of only one game, managed by their third manager in the short season of 1960, managed to take the wind out of the Pirates’ sails. Starter Jim Owens took advantage of a shaky start by his counterpart, Harvey Haddix as well as some weak Bucco bats as the Phils held off the Pirates by a score of 4-3.

Haddix only lasted two and 2/3rds innings. He gave up four runs in the fourth inning. Rookie first baseman Pancho Herrera was the hitting star, going 2-4 and driving in Ted Lepcio who was 2-5. Wally Post, Ken Walters and Joe Koppe also knocked in an RBI each. That was enough for Danny Murtaugh, who sent for Paul Giel. The right hander shut the Phillies down for four and a third innings before giving way to ElRoy Face, who finished the job.

It looked as though the Pirates would rally in the bottom of the fourth. Bob Skinner, the home run star in Easter Sunday’s second game, smacked a three run shot with nobody out. Dog’s second home run of the year scored Don Hoak and Dick Groat. However, the Bucco bats went silent the rest of the game. Owens went the full nine hittings despite his fielders giving up four errors. Two errors alone came from second baseman Lepico. The miscue allowed one of the three runs scored on the Skinner homer to be unearned.

Today’s loss puts the Pirates at .500 with a 3-3 record. Tomorrow’s game will be the second of a three game series with the Phils. Pirate ace Vern Law will go against right hander Don Cardwell. Both starters are 1-0.

The box score for the game can be found at the following URL:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196004190PIT

BEAT ‘EM BUCS
Following the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!

LAW SLAMS DOOR ON PHILS
Pirates Ace Goes The Distance For His Second Win
Wednesday, April 20th 1960

PITTSBURGH – It’s the job of the ace of the pitching staff to shut down the opponent, especially after a loss. The ace gets the team back on track, stopping a potential losing streak, perhaps starting a new winning streak.
Once again, Vernon Law came through. He went nine full innings….again! This time. he gave up two runs, one earned on seven hits to defeat Philadelphia at home by a score of 4-2.

Law has pitched back to back complete games. He shut out the Reds out on seven hits on Thursday, April 14.
Drawing first blood with a run in the first, the Buccos never looked back. Two more runs came in the fifth on the back of Don Hoak’s first homer of the season. Hoak was the hitting star for the Pirates, going 2-3 with a homer and 2 RBI’s. The home run, coming after two were out, spelled the end of the game for Cardwell, as Phils’ right hander Ruben Gomez started the bottom of the sixth inning.

Law gave up two runs in the top of the seventh. Pancho Herrera drove in a run, unearned due to Dick Groat’s second error of the season. Pinch hitter Dave Philley drove in the Phil’s second run of the inning to make it 3-2. However, the Bucs added an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh and held on to win their fourth game of the season against three losses.

The Pirates wrap of the three game series with the Phils on Thursday, April 21, 1960. Crafty left hander Curt Simmons will duel with young Jim Umbricht. Umbricht lost his only decision of the year back on Saturday, April 16th at Forbes Field. He gave up six runs in five and 1/3 innings in his start against the Reds.

The box score for this game can be found at the following URL:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196004200PIT

BEAT ‘EM BUCS
Following the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By D Frizzi

PIRATES OUT-SLUG PHILLIES!
Smith, Skinner and Pitcher Green Go Longball for Buccos!
Pittsburgh Take Series 2 Out Of 3!
Thursday, April 21th 1960

PITTSBURGH – If you can’t beat ‘em with pitching, beat ‘em with the bat!

That’s what the Pittsburgh Pirates did today at Forbes Field. They took the rubber match against the Philadelphia Phillies by a resounding 11-5 win in nine rounds.
The Phillies connected in the first inning for a solo tally off of starter Jim Umbricht, making his second start of the season. The RBI came on a single by Alvin Dark scoring former Pirate and Hill District native Bobby Del Greco. Del Greco was 2-3, scoring three Phillie runs. Del Greco was a Pirate outfielder before his trade to St. Louis for current center fielder Bill Virdon in May of 1956. He would play with the Cards, Cubs and Yankees before being sold to the Phillies in April of 1959. He spent all of 1959 in the minor leagues.

However, the Pirates rallied back with two runs in their half of the first and added a solo run in the bottom of the second. Simmons could not get an out. He gave up two runs before handing the ball to righty Humberto Robinson. Robinson got the Phils out of their second inning jam and then pitched a scoreless third inning and all looked good for the Phillies. They would score two more runs to tie the game and send Umbricht to the showers. Danny Murtaugh brought in the left handed Fred Green to keep the Pirates in the game. Green would give up solo runs in the sixth and seventh inning. One run was due to a solo homer by catcher Jimmie Coker. It was Coker’s first home run of the young season, coming with two out.

Then, the Pirates started swinging for the fences. Hal Smith smacked a three run homer off of Robinson, his second of the season. Bob Skinner capped a four run Pirate fourth with his third homer of the season, a two-run shot. Skinner, Dick Groat and Dick Stuart would drive in two runs each. Smith ended up with a four RBI game. Then, there was Fred Green, who decided to join the fun with his first career home run, a solo shot off of his mound opponent, right hander Henry Mason in the sixth inning.

Green’s wallop, and his subsequent rounding of the bases must have worn him out. Murtaugh sent for his bullpen closer, ElRoy Face to pitch the final three frames of the ballgame, shutting out Philadelphia with a hit and four strikeouts. Face preserved Green’s first major league victory against zero defeats.

The victory gives the Pirates a 5-3 record overall and a 5-2 home stand. They take on the Milwaukee Braves for a three game series starting Friday, April 22. They hope to avenge the Braves for beating them 4-3 in that peculiar one game road stand way back on opening day.
Juan Pizarro, Lew Burdette and Bob Buhl are expected to pitch for the Braves. Bob Friend, Bennie Daniels and Harvey Haddix are expected to start for the Pirates.
The box score for the game can be found at the following URL:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196004210PIT

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1860 Pirates from stem to stern!
By D Frizzi

BUCS CONTINUE HOT HOME STREAK BY BEATING BRAVES

Clemente, Smith Drive in Two Each

Friday, April 22, 1960

PITTSBURGH – Bob Clemente and Hal Smith each drove in two runs and Bob Friend won his second game in a row as the Pirates begin the final series of this home stand by knocking off the Milwaukee Braves by a 6-2 score.

Friend got revenge for the first game of the season in Milwaukee, a 4-3 Pirates loss. He looked good in the game by giving up two runs with seven strikeouts to the Braves. He was not credited with the loss as ElRoy Face gave up two runs in the bottom of the eighth to take the loss.

This was Friend?s second win in a row. Both were complete games as Friend pitched the Pirates to a winner back on April 17, with a four hit shutout of the Reds. He most certainly seems to be back to the Bob Friend of 1958, when he won 22 games.

Braves starter Juan Pizarro didn?t last long, only two-thirds of an inning in which the Pirates scored their first two runs. The Braves tied it in the top of the third on a two run home run by Hank Aaron, his third of the year, with two out.

The Pirates would go ahead to stay with a run in the bottom of the third inning. Then came Clemente, who took reliever Joey Jay deep for a two run homer, with two out, to ice the cake for the Pirates. Jay received his first loss of the season.

Bill Mazeroski, who makes a difficult defensive play look easy, outdid himself. He dove to stop a ground ball and made the throw to first from his knees. Manager Danny Murtaugh commented, ?Some of the balls he fields amaze me!?

The win was the third in a row for the Pirates, who have won five out of their last six. They now have a record of 6-3 on the young season.

Having gotten revenge for their opening day loss to the Braves, the Pirates look to even another score. as they face Lew Burdette on April 23rd. Burdette was the winner of Harvey Haddix?s no-hit loss to Milwaukee back on May 26, 1959. The Bucs will counter with Bennie Daniels.

The box score can be found at the following URL:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196004220PIT

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By D Frizzi

PIRATES SWEEP BRAVES FOR AN 8-3 RECORD

Bucs Start Road Trip On a Five Game Winning Streak

Sunday, April 24, 1960

PITTSBURGH – Home runs by Bob Skinner and Smokey Burgess and crisp pitching by Harvey Haddix and ElRoy Face gave the Pirates their first series sweep by defeating the Milwaukee braves by a score of 7-3. The Pirates have now won five in a row, so far their largest winning streak of the season. They have won seven of their last eight with an overall record of 8-3.

However, the big offense of the day, came from Bill Mazeroski. His scorching triple scored three runs and chased Braves? starter Bob Buhl from the game. The Bucs were leading 1-0 before Maz?s triple, courtesy of Bob Skinner?s fourth homer of the season. Bob Clemente was 3-4 with 2 runs scored.

Haddix wasn?t even scheduled to pitch. He replaced Vernon Law, who was down with the flu. Haddix went 8 and 1/3 innings of shutout ball before surrendering three runs in the top of the seventh on RBI?s by Johnny Logan, Del Crandall and pinch hitter Mike Krsnich. Face came on to shut the door and notch his second save of the season by striking out Charley Lau and Red Schoendienst.

The Pirates are now winners of five games in a row. They?re now in first place, one half game ahead of San Francisco. It?s their best start since 1938. However, many Pirate fans still remember that fateful year. The Pirates, in first place for most of the season, lost the league and eventually the pennant to the Chicago Cubs on Gabby Hartnett?s infamous ?Homer in the gloamin?? off of reliever Mace Brown. The Crow?s Nest at Forbes Field was built to house the extra press that would come for the World Series.

The Pirates will get two days off before embarking on a seventeen game road trip, which begins across the state in Philadelphia. They?ll make their way to Cincinnati, St. Louis and Chicago before heading out to the west coast to take on the Giants and the Dodgers. They?ll return to Pittsburgh via Milwaukee, where they?ll stop for four games. Pirate fans won?t see their team until they return home on May 17th, where they?ll play an odd, one game series against Chicago before hosting the Cardinals for two games.

The road stand will also allow the Pirates to play their first game at the new home of the Giants, Candlestick Park. The new park has been highly criticized for its extremely windy conditions. It sits right on San Francisco Bay at the Candlestick Point Recreation Area, which it?s found to be very chilly in the evening. That and three games in the cavernous Los Angeles Coliseum may prove to be a very daunting road trip for the Pirates.

?It will be a big test,? said Danny Murtaugh. ?If we play .500 ball on the road and continue to rack ?em up at home, as we?ve been doing, we can go all the way.?

The box score can be found at the following URL:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196004240PIT

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By D Frizzi

BUCS RAINED OUT AT PHILLY

Game rescheduled for part of July 8, DH

Tuesday, April 26, 1960

PHILADELPHIA ? The first game of the Pirates? seventeen game road trip was rained out in Philadelphia Monday night. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader scheduled for July 8th in Philadelphia.

Monday night?s scheduled starting pitchers, Vernon Law (2-0) and Jack Meyer (0-0), will start Tuesday night?s game.

However, there was still action between the cross state rivals, that in the form of trade talks. Joe L. Brown, interested in bolstering his starting rotation, is talking to Phillies GM John Quinn about acquiring either right hander Jim Owens or Gene Conley.

Owens, who was 12-12 back with a 3.21 ERA back in 1959, beat the Pirates 4-3 on a three hitter back on April the 19th at Forbes Field in his first start of the season. The only Pirate runs came on a three run Bob Skinner home run in the third inning. It was ?The Dog?s? second homer of the season and only two of those three runs were earned. However, Owens was hit hard in his first start of the season, losing the second game of Sunday?s double header to Cincinnati by a score of 10-4. Owens did not get out of the second inning, giving up four earned runs in one and 1/3 innings.

Conley, who was 12-7 with an ERA of 3.00, is currently in extended spring training rehabilitating an injury.

Brown has reportedly offered backup catcher Danny Kravitz and utility infielder Dick Schofield for either Conley or Owens. However, Quinn has said that he wants more for a starting pitcher than a backup catcher and a utility infielder.

SCORES AND STANDINGS for this date can be found at the following URL:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/games/standings.cgi?date=1960-04-26

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By D Frizzi

AND ANOTHER COMPLETE GAME FOR FRIEND

Friend?s 4 hitter blanks Phils – Matches Law?s 3-0 record

Game played Thursday, April 28, 1960

PHILADELPHIA ? Et tu, my Friend?

Once again, Bob Friend matches a stellar Vernon Law pitching performance with his own. Both are 3-0. In fact, Friend pitched one better ? a four hit complete game shutout of Philadelphia. Final score, Pirates 3, Phillies 0.

Friend fanned eleven Phillies in what was his third complete game of the season. He did not get a complete game in 1959 until August 20. It took Friend until June 16th to get his third victory of 1959. Only Alvin Dark, Johnny Callison and Tony Curry got a hit off of Friend and the rookie Curry go two of the Phillies? four hits.

Both Dick Stuart and Roberto Clemente were two for four for the Bucs. Stuart hit his second triple coming off of Phillies starter John Buzhardt. Clemente scored one of Pittsburgh?s two runs from second base in the second inning on an infield out. With one out, Clemente on second and Bill Virdon on first, Bill Mazeroski hit a sharp grounder to second baseman Pancho Herrera. Virdon stopped dead in his tracks, then attempted to avoid the double play. Herrera hesitated, then throws to first, but Mazeroski beats the throw. First baseman Ed Bouchee threw back to second to get Virdon. During all of this, Clemente kept running and scored from second base. Clemente, along with Mazeroski and Bob Skinner got the three Pirate RBI?s

Dick Stuart, known for his erratic fielding was perfect until today?s game, where he made his first error of the season.

The Pirates are now 10-3. Six of the ten wins came from Law and Friend. They?ve now won seven in a row. The Bucs move on to Crosley Field to take on the Reds for a two game series. Bennie Daniels (1-0) will pitch against former Pirate Cal McLish, who has lost his last two starts. McLish was defeated by Law in a 13-0 shutout, where he lasted only two and 2/3 innings back on April 14th at Forbes Field.

The Pirates remain a game ahead of the Giants, who beat Los Angeles 7-5.

THE GAME?S BOX SCORE CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING URL:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196004280PHI

SCORES AND STANDINGS for this date can be found at the following URL:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/games/standings.cgi?date=1960-04-28

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By D Frizzi

TEN RUN SECOND INNING GIVES PIRATES EIGHTH WIN IN A ROW

Maz 4-5 with HR, 3 RBI?s

Game played Friday, April 30, 1960

CINCINNATI ? If you get ten runs in one inning, you should win the ballgame.

The Pirates did just that, their eighth in a row and third on this road trip as they defeated the Cincinnati Reds at Crosley Field by a 12-7 score.

Bob Clemente had the inning?s hot bat, contributing with a three-run homer, his third of the season. However, the game?s big bat went to Bill Mazeroski, who was 4-5 with a home run and three RBI?s. Maz raised his batting average 62 points to .212.

Reds? starter Cal McLish was chased after 1 and 2/3?s innings. The error from his shortstop, Roy McMillan, opened the door for seven unearned Pirate runs.

Pirate starter Bennie Daniels got his first win of the season. However, it wasn?t pretty. In five innings pitched, Daniels gave up six earned runs on eight hits and walked three batters. Mc Millan hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Catcher Ed Bailey took Daniels deep with a two out, two run homer in the fifth. With the score 12-6 Pirates, Danny Murtaugh brought in Paul Giel who gave up the Red?s seventh run. ElRoy Face finished the game for his third save of the season.

Daniels latest outing, despite the win, still raises question marks as well as rumors that the Pirates are scouting for another starter. When in Philadelphia, Joe L. Brown was asking the Phillies about the availability of starters Jim Owens or Gene Conley but the talks went nowhere. Reports were that Brown offered reserve catcher Danny Kravitz and utility infielder Dick Schofield for either Owens or Conley.

Only 3,481 paid to see the action. The Pirates finish up the short two game trip to Crosley Field by sending the undefeated Vernon Law (3-0) against Don Newcombe (1-0).

The Pirates are now 11-3, a game and a half ahead of the Giants, who defeated Don Drysdale and the Dodgers at the Coliseum by a score of 6-3.

THE GAME?S BOX SCORE CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING URL:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196004300CN5

SCORES AND STANDINGS for this date can be found at the following URL:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/games/standings.cgi?date=1960-04-30

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By D Frizzi

PIRATES? WINNING STREAK ENDS AT NINE

Former Bucco Kline Stops Old Teammates. Face Blows Lead.

Game played Monday, May 2, 1960

ST LOUIS ? The Pittsburgh Pirates rolled into the Gateway City riding a nine game winning streak. They had a 3-0 lead at the seventh inning stretch. ElRoy Face, the most consistent closer in the game is waiting in the bullpen, if needed.

That?s what happens when you face the team with the best batting average in the league. Face comes in with a 3-3 tie, then he gives up a single, double and an intentional walk. Then, ElRoy Face walks in the lead run. His former teammate, Ronnie Kline, last year the Pirates? number three starter, holds the Pirates down and beats them 4-3.

?I believe that?s the first time I ever forced in a run with a walk,? Face said. ?I know I never forced in a winning run. And I ache all over now.?

?I don?t mind losing once in two weeks, but I hate to lose after holding a lead in the seventh inning, ? said Danny Murtaugh. ?I don?t like to lose on walks, either, but Face has been might good to us over the years. And we had this one coming, perhaps.?

Harvey Haddix was pitching a decent game. With a 3-1 lead, he had given up only two hits in six innings pitched until the seventh when he gives up two runs to tie the game at three.

Daryl Spencer, the Cardinal shortstop with the .351 average, was 4-4. He hit his second double of the game in the fateful seventh inning off of Face.

Kline had a shaky top of the second inning, giving up RBI?s to Haddix and to Don Hoak. Kline would also give up a leadoff solo home run to Smokey Burgess, his third of the season.

The Pirates have a day off before heading north to Chicago?s Wrigley Field. Bob Friend (2-1) will battle left hander Dick Ellsworth (0-0). With the Giants? 5-0 win over Milwaukee, the Pirates (12-4), now have just a one game lead over the Giants. Milwaukee remains 3 games back and the Cards are now three and a half game back. The Cubs are currently in sixth place with a 5-10 record.

THE GAME?S BOX SCORE CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING URL:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196005020SLN

SCORES AND STANDINGS for this date can be found at the following URL:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/games/standings.cgi?date=1960-05-02

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By D Frizzi

BUCS SNEAK PAST CUBS 9-7

Seven Runs in Last Three Innings Put Pirates Back on Winning Track

Game played Thursday, May 5, 1960

CHICAGO ? When the Chicago Cubs scored six runs in the first three innings, Lou Boudreau had to be feeling pretty good about winning his first game as their manager.

When the Pittsburgh Pirates scored seven runs in the last three innings to win the game, Boudreau might have been looking wistfully at the broadcast booth.

After last night?s game, which the Pirates lost 5-1, manager Charlie Grimm traded places with Boudreau, who is managing his fourth club.

George Witt made his first start for the Pirates in hopes that he was able to rebound to his 1958 form, when he was 9-2 with a 1.61 ERA. Errors by Dick Groat and Don Hoak lead to four unearned runs and sent Witt to the showers after two innings. Jim Umbricht came on in relief and gave up an earned run on three hits in four innings. His ERA is now a steep 7.71.

Cubbie bats were hot. Ernie Banks was two for five. Walt Moryn was a perfect three for three with an RBI. Bob Will was two for four with three RBI?s. Starter Seth Morehead was cruising along. At the end of six full innings, the Cubs were enjoying a comfortable 6-2 lead.

Then came the top of the seventh inning. Don Hoak, Gino Cimoli and Dick Groat each singled. Up came Bob Clemente, who has been on a home run tear in recent games. Over the Wrigley ivy went Clemente?s two run homer, his fifth of the season, and the Pirates tied the ball game. The home run sent the starter Morehead to the showers.

In the top of the ninth, Bill Virdon pinch hit with two outs and lined a two run triple. Dick Schofield, who took over at second after Smokey Burgess pinch hit for Bill Mazeroski, singled with two outs in the ninth. Gino Cimoli singled, setting the table for Virdon?s double. Fred Green came out of the bull pen to pitch two no-hit innings to get his second victory. ElRoy Face pitched a one-hit bottom of the ninth to get his fourth save. Both Dick Stuart and Bob Clemente were three for five. Clemente had three RBI?s to Stuart?s one. Gino Cimoli was two for five.
The Pirates roll into San Francisco to take on the Giants for a three game series in what shapes up to be a battle for first place. The Pirates currently lead the Giants by two games and could use this opportunity to gain ground. It will also be the Bucs? first visit to brand new Candlestick Park, a place that is proving to be extremely tricky to play in. Vernon Law will take his undefeated 4-0 record to the mound. The Giants will counter with Sam ?Toothpick? Jones, who is 2-2. The Giants lost against the Reds by a score of 4-3 behind the six hit pitching of former Pirate Bob Purkey.

THE GAME?S BOX SCORE CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING URL:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196005050CHN

SCORES AND STANDINGS for this date can be found at the following URL:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/games/standings.cgi?date=1960-05-05

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By D Frizzi

SIX RUN GIANT SEVENTH SINKS PIRATES 6-5

Giants Now Tied With Pirates For First Place

Game played Saturday, May 7, 1960

SAN FRANCISCO ? In his fourth start of the season, Harvey Haddix was in win mode. He was cruising along, pitching a one hitter against the San Francisco Giants. Through six full innings, he had also retired fifteen in a row. His teammates has set him up with five runs, two of which were unearned due to a Willie McCovey error. The score was 5-0 Pirates after the seventh inning stretch. Everything was set for the Pirates to gain a game on the second place Giants, and lead the league by two games.

By the time the seventh inning was over the Bucs found themselves down by a run, all the difference the Giants needed to beat our Bucs 6-5. Both teams are now tied for first place.

What happened?

In the bottom of the seventh, Haddix ran out of gas. He gave up two runs on three hits and one base on balls. He left the game in the hands of Fred Green, undefeated in his two decisions. With two on and two out, he faced shortstop Eddie Bressoud. His manager, Bill Rigney, bats him eighth as he was hitting .217 at the start of the game.

With two outs, Bressoud took Green deep, resulting in a wind-blown three run shot over the chain link fence of Candlestick Park. It was the crowning touch for the Giants in a six run bottom of the seventh inning. Green was quite possibly the victim of the tricky swirling wind at Candlestick, whose outfield points out to the San Francisco Bay. There is nothing blocking the wind in the outfield as to provide fans with a gorgeous view. It also provides fans with winter like weather at night.

The Pirates were able to knock out starter Jack Sanford, who left after four and a third innings. Lefty Billy O?Dell came on to end the inning. Bud Byerly came on in the sixth inning and got his first win of the season. He pitched three innings of shutout ball, giving up just one hit and striking out three.

Roberto Clemente continued hit torrid hitting. He was two for four in the game and is second only to Willie Mays in the NL batting race. Clemente is hitting .370 to Mays? .416. Mays was one for four with a run scored.

Don Gross made his second straight appearance for the Pirates, pitching a perfect bottom of the eighth inning.

After winning eight in a row, the Pirates have now lost four out of their last five. They are 5-4 on this road trip. They will try to avoid the sweep tomorrow. Rookie left hander Joe Gibbon, 2-0 in relief and a zero ERA, will make his first major league start as the latest candidate for the elusive fourth starter position. His mound opponent is the undefeated left hander Mike McCormack (4-0). Gibbon will either be well rested or extremely rusty. He hasn?t pitched in a ballgame since getting his second victory against the Braves on April 23 back home at Forbes Field.

THE GAME?S BOX SCORE CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING URL:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196005070SFN

SCORES AND STANDINGS for this date can be found at the following URL:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/games/standings.cgi?date=1960-05-07

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

FACE GIVES UP THREE RUN HOMER IN BOTTOM OF NINTH, BUCS LOSE FOUR IN A ROW 7-4

Bucs Lose Only One-Half Game as Giants Idle

Game played Monday, May 9, 1960

LOS ANGELES ? The Pittsburgh Pirates are going through their first rough patch of the 1960 season. How they gut themselves through it, will show if they?re really a championship caliber team or the dark horse that sports experts have been calling them.

They were swept by the Giants, who have knocked the Pirates out of sole possession of first place. They arrived into the cavernous Los Angeles Coliseum riding a 5-5 road trip. Pirate batters would have to face Don Drysdale. But the Pirates had all the confidence in their own starter, Bob Friend.

However, the Pirates Achilles Heel, as of late has been their defense. After making seven errors which led to five unearned runs in yesterday?s 13-1 rout in San Francisco, they allowed two unearned runs on four errors. Dick Groat himself committed two for a total of nine errors. He made three yesterday.

Even after two run homers by Bob Skinner and Bill Mazeroski managed to tie the game into the bottom of the ninth, ElRoy Face was set to shut the door. After Maury Wills singled and was sacrificed to second by Larry Sherry. Junior Gilliam was walked intentionally. Then, on a 2-2 pitch, Charley Neal kicked the door wide open, sending his second home run of the season off of face and won the game for the Dodgers by a score of 7-4.

Friend and Drysdale were in a pitching duel until the bottom of the fifth inning, when the Dodgers scored two runs. Drysdale was pitching a one hitter, a chopper that Bob Clemente had beaten out. Dodger outfielders had recorded just two putouts. In the top of the eighth, Drysdale had Clemente on first with a single and two outs when Bill Mazeroski hit his fourth home run of the season, making the score 3-2 Dodgers. The Dodgers got one of the runs back off of ElRoy Face.

Then came the top of the ninth inning. Pinch hitter Smokey Burgess led off with a single. Groat struck out. Then, on a 0-2 pitch Bob Skinner cracked a two run home run off of Drysdale to tie the game up. Drysdale would fan Stuart to log his thirteenth strikeout of the game before LA Manager Walter Alston brought in reliever Larry Sherry. Sherry would face and retire his only batter, Rocky Nelson. Nelson was pinch hitting for third baseman Gene Baker, back in a Pirate uniform after being out all of the 1959 season with a knee injury. Baker led off and played third place, giving Don Hoak a breather. Hoak, who had been in a season long slump, is currently hitting .176.

Then came the bottom of the ninth inning and Neal?s game winning home run.

As it was, the Pirates only lost just a half of a game to the Giants. Tonight?s game was the only game in the National League. There was only one game in the American League as well as Washington beat Kansas City 8-1.

Tomorrow night, Vernon Law (4-1) will attempt to get the Bucs back on the winning track. He?ll go against left hander Johnny Podres (2-1). Podres was the hero for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1955 World Series.

THE GAME?S BOX SCORE CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING URL:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196005090LAN

SCORES AND STANDINGS for this date can be found at the following URL:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/games/standings.cgi?date=1960-05-09

WEDNESDAY MAY 19

WEDNESDAY MAY 19

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES IN TIE FOR 1ST. BEAT KLINE AND CARDS 4-2

Law Throws Another Complete Game For Sixth Win

Game played Wednesday, May 18, 1960 at Forbes Field

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FRIDAY MAY 21

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES SCORE TWO IN 12TH TO BEAT SF 5-4

Pirates Now 1.5 Games in First Place

Game played Friday, May 20, 1960 at Forbes Field

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SATURDAY MAY 22

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

CEPEDA?S 2 RUN HR IN 2ND BEATS BUCS 3-1

Loss Snaps Pirates 4 Game Win Streak. SF Now One Half Out

Game played Saturday, May 21, 1960 at Forbes Field

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MONDAY MAY 24

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES LOSE 1-0 ON ONE HITTER BY KOUFAX

Daniels Hard Luck Loser ? One Run On Four Hits

Game played Monday, May 23, 1960 at Forbes Field

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TUESDAY MAY 25

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PODRES PITCHES DODGERS TO 4-2 WIN OVER PIRATES

Giants Win ? Tied With Pirates For First Place

Game played Tuesday, May 24, 1960 at Forbes Field

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FRIDAY MAY 28

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES RAINED OUT WITH PHILS
GIANTS LOSE ? BUCS NOW JUST ONE GAME BACK
BUCS ACQUIRE LEFTY PITCHER MIZELL FROM STL

Friday, May 27, 1960

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SUNDAY MAY 30, 2010

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

GROAT, NELSON, MAZ AND GREEN POWER PIRATES PAST PHILS 8-5

Law Now 7-1 Clemente Makes Two Great Defensive Plays

Sunday, May 29, 1960 at Forbes Field

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WEDNESDAY JUNE 2, 2010

BEAT ?EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

CLEMENTE DRIVE IN WINNING RUN IN 11TH TO BEAT REDS 4-3

Mizell Strong Until 9th ? Eight Red Players Ejected

Game played Tuesday, May 31,1960 at Forbes Field

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SATURDAY JUNE 5, 2010

BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

LAW SHUTS OUT PHILS 3-0 – BUCS WIN SIX STRAIGHT
Another Complete Game for Pirates? Ace, Now 8-1, Best in Majors
Game played Friday, June 3, 1960 at Connie Mack Stadium

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WEDNESDAY JUNE 9, 2010

BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES HAMMERED BY CUBS 13-2
Law Lasts Only 1.2 IP ? Skinner 2 Errors in 2nd
Game played Tuesday, June 7, 1960 at Wrigley Field

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FRIDAY JUNE 11, 2010

BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

BIG BUCCO INNINGS BEAT CUBS 11-3
Hoak has 3 RBI?s ? Gain Ground on Giants
Game played Thursday, June 9, 1960 at Wrigley Field

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SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2010
BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

CARDS RALLY IN 9TH TO CLIP PIRATES 7-6
Face Gives Up Three Runs in Bottom of the Ninth
Game played Saturday, June 11, 1960 at Busch Stadium (Sportsman?s Park)

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WEDNESDAY JUNE 16, 2010
BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES DOUBLE UP ON GIANTS, 6-3
Groat Leads Attack, 2-5 With Two RBI?S
Another Complete Game For Friend
Game played Tuesday, June 14, 1960 at Candlestick Park

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THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2010
BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES POUND SF 14-6, NOW 3 GAMES AHEAD
Haddix Hurls First Complete Game of Season and Drives in 2 RBI?s
Game played Wednesday, June 15, 1960 at Candlestick Park

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SATURDAY JUNE 19, 2010
BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

LAW WINS PITCHING DUEL 2-1
Virdon?s 1st HR the Difference
Game played Friday, June 17, 1960 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

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MONDAY JUNE 21, 2010
BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

STUART?S GRAND SLAM CAN?T BEAT DODGERS 8-6
Dodgers Get 6 Run 3rd Inning Off Daniels
Game played Sunday, June 19, 1960 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

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THURSDAY JUNE 24, 2010
BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

FRIEND SHUTS OUT CARDS 5-0
Four Run Seventh Clips Birds
Groat 4-5, Avg Now .351
Clemente has 2 RBI?s
Game played Wednesday, June 22, 1960 at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh

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SATURDAY JUNE 26, 2010
BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

MIZELL PITCHES COMPLETE GAME, DRIVES IN TWO RUNS, BEATS CUBS 4-1
Pirates Win 40th Game of the Season
Game played Friday, June 24, 1960 at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh

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MONDAY JUNE 28, 2010
BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

CUBS SWEEP PIRATES IN DH!
Chicago Rookie Santo 3-7, 5 RBI?s in First Two MLB Games
Games played Sunday, June 26, 1960 at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh

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THURSDAY JULY 02, 2010
BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

STUART?S 3 HRS SPLITS DH WITH GIANTS
First HR?s at Forbes ? Drives in Seven
Giants Rout Bucs in Game One
Games played Thursday, June 30, 1960 at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh

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SUNDAY JULY 04, 2010
BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

DODGERS TRIP BUCS 6-1
Cheney Wild in First Pirates Start
Burgess Tossed for Bumping Ump
Game played Saturday, July 02, 1960 at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh

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TUESDAY JULY 06, 2010
BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

BRAVES? LATE INNING FIREWORKS SPLIT DH
Braves Down Five, Rally to Beat Bucs in Game One 10th
Haddix Complete Game, Burgess 3 RBI Prevents Sweep
Games played Monday, July 04, 1960 at County Stadium, Milwaukee

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THURSDAY JULY 08, 2010
BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

SKINNER?S INSIDE THE PARK GRAND SLAM BEATS REDS 5-2
Cheney Gets First Pirates Win
Game played Wednesday, July 06, 1960 at Crosley Field, Cincinnati

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PIRATES SPLIT DH WITH PHILS
Contested Call at HP Beats Bucs 6-5 in 10th
Bucs Rally With 4 Run 6th To Win 8-3
Game played Friday, July 8, 1960 at Connie Mack Stadium, Philadelphia

PHILLIES EDGE PIRATES 2-1
Conley Bests Law In Pitching Duel
Both Hurl Full Nine Innings
Game played Saturday, July 9, 1960 at Connie Mack Stadium, Philadelphia

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TUESDAY JULY 13, 2010
BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

NL BESTS AL 5-3 IN ALL STAR 1
Pirates? Friend Starts, Pitches 3 Innings, Gets Win
Maz, Skinner Each Get One RBI
Game played Monday, July 11, 1960 at Muncipal Stadium, Kansas City

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BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

DODGER?S 3 RUN 7TH SINKS PIRATES
Harker?s 2 Run Shot Deciding Blow.
Bucs Squander 4-0 Lead
Braves Now 1.5 Games Behind
Game played Tuesday, July 19, 1960 at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh

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BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES SALVAGE WIN IN LA 4-1
Law Goes Distance For 12th Win
Smith Has Another 2 HR Day
Bucs Gain Game On Braves

Game played Thursday, July 21, 1960 at Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles

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BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES DOUBLE UP ON CARDS 4-2
Friend?s Pitching, Three Solo Homers Pace Pirates
Bucs Back In First Place By One Half Game

Game played Monday, July 25, 1960 at Busch Stadium (formerly Sportsman Park), St. Louis

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BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES SWEEP CARDS 7-3
Two Run 6th Breaks 2-2 Tie
Bucs Gain Ground on Braves

Game played Wednesday, July 27, 1960 at Busch Stadium (formerly Sportsman Park), St. Louis

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BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES DROPPED BY CUBS 6-1
New Father Hobbie Gets Complete Game
Bucs 4 Game Winning Streak Ends – Lose Ground to Braves

Game played Saturday, July 30, 1960 at Wrigley Field, Chicago

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BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

LAW WINS 14TH AS BUCS SHUT OUT LA 3-0
Another Complete Game For The Deacon
Both Teams Shutout Until 7th
Error by Pitcher Williams Allows 2 Unearned Runs
Game played on Tuesday Night, August 2, 1960 at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh

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BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

THE ROCK KNOCKS LA 4-1
Bucs 1B 2-3, HR
Witt Wins 1st Game Since 1958
StL Now in 2nd

Game Played on Thursday Night, August 4, 1960 at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh

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BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

GONZALEZ PH DOUBLE BEATS BUCS 4-3
Brown Eyes FA Labine
Pirates ?Boy Manager? Clarke Dies

Game Played on Monday, August 15, 1960 at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES TAKE FINAL GAME FROM PHILS, 5-3
Hoak?s 3 RBI?s Powers Bucs
Labine K?s 6, Gets 2nd Save in 1st Appearance as Pirate
Pirates Finish Home Stand Strong 14-4

Games Played on Wednesday, August 17,1960 at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

REDS SNEAK PAST BUCCOS 4-3
Pirates Squander Two Run Lead
Braves, Cards Gain Ground

Games Played on Friday, August 19,1960 at Crosley Field, Cincinnati

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ?EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pirates from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

SI VAULT ARTICLE ON GROAT? THE FIERY LEADER OF THE PIRATES

Dick Groat appears on the front cover of the August 8, 1960 issue of Sports Illustrated.
The article is ?Head Man in a Hurry?, written by the legendary baseball writer, Roy Terrell.
The article begins on page 26 of the issue.

Groat is heralded by several of the National League?s players and managers. My favorite quote is by Reds? manager Fred Hutchinson.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/cover/featured/7678/index.htm

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES SCORE 4 IN 9TH TO EAT CUBS 10-6
Stuart, Clemente Back-To-Back HR?s Breaks Tie

Game Played on Wednesday, August 24,1960 at Wrigley Field, Chicago

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

MUSIAL?S 2 RUN SHOT CLIPS PIRATES 3-1
Virdon Gets RBI But No Hits
Braves, Cards and Dodgers All Gain Ground in Standings

Game Played on Friday Night, August 26,1960 at Busch Stadium I (Sportsman?s Park)

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

BUCS SWEPT BY CARDS 5-4
Haddix Knocked Out ? Five Runs in Three Innings
Cards Tie Braves For 2nd Place

Game Played on Sunday, August 28,1960 at Busch Stadium I (Formerly Sportsman?s Park)

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

BUCS BEAT KOUFAX, LA 5-2
Groat, Clemente Hit Back to Back HR?s
Bucs Sweep 2 Game Series

Game Played on Tuesday, August 30, 1960 (N) at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

MISSED OUT ON PAST STORIES ABOUT THE
MAGNIFICENT1960 PIRATES’ SEASON?

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES SWEEP GIANTS 6-1
Clemente Hits HR in 3 Straight Games
Bucs Rebound to Finish Roadtrip at 8-6

Game Played on Thursday, September 1, 1960 (D) at Candlestick Park, San Francisco

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MAGNIFICENT1960 PIRATES’ SEASON?

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

BUCS SPLIT LABOR DAY DH WITH BRAVES
Pirates Win Game One 9-7
Braves Take Nightcap 7-1
Pirates? 41 Year Rookie Pitcher Makes 1st Major League Appearance
Braves Remain 6.5 GB

Games Played on Monday Evening, September 5, 1960 at Forbes Field

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

GROAT?S WRIST BROKEN! BUCS LOSE 2-1 TO CARDS!
SS Out Of Action Four Weeks At Least
Law Goes Distance But 20th Win Is Elusive

Game Played on Wednesday Afternoon, September 7, 1960 at Forbes Field

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

3 RUN 4TH GIVES PIRATES 4-1 WIN
Three Pirate Runs Unearned
Stuart 3-5 With Solo HR
Bucs Turn 5 DP?s

Game Played on Saturday Night, September 10, 1960 at Forbes Field

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES TOPPLE GIANTS 6-1
SF Eliminated From Pennant Race
Bucs? Magic Number Now 11

Game played Monday night, September 12, 1960 at Forbes Field

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

LA NIXES PIRATES AGAIN 5-2
Law Loses 3rd Game In A Row
Maz Hits 2R HR
Magic Number Still 11

Game played Wednesday night, September 14, 1960 at Forbes Field

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

REDS PUSH PAST PIRATES 4-3
Kasko 4-4, 3 RBI for Reds
Magic Number Now At 9
Milwaukee?s Spahn No-Hits Phillies To Take 2nd Place

Game played Thursday, September 15, 1960 at Crosley Field, Cincinnati

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

PIRATES, REDS RAINED OUT
To Be Made Up As Sunday DH
Magic Number At 9

Game was to have been played Saturday, September 17, 1960 at Crosley Field, Cincinnati

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

GROAT GETS CAST REMOVED
Shortstop May Be Ready To Play By End Of Week
StL Wins – Magic Number Still At Seven

Monday, September 19, 1960

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

IDLE PIRATES MAGIC NUMBER NOW FOUR
Pirates Have Day Off
StL Loses – Magic Number At Four
Yankees Win 6th In A Row

Wednesday, September 21, 1960

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BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

BRAVES DOUBLE UP PIRATES 2-1
Virdon Doubles In 39th RBI
Magic Number Remains At Two!

Games played Friday, September 23, 1960 at County Stadium, Milwaukee.

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

BRAVES DOUBLE UP PIRATES AGAIN 4-2
Four Run 1st Hammers Friend
Clemente, Stuart Homer
Cards Lose – Magic Number At One!

Games played Saturday, September 24, 1960 at County Stadium, Milwaukee.

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

SCHOFIELD DRIVES IN WINNING RUN IN 16TH ? 4-3
Stuart Hits 3 Run HR
Yanks Win 11th In Row

Game played Tuesday, September 27, 1960 at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

THE STORY OF VERNON LAW?S INJURED ANKLE

Thursday, September 29, 1960

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

FRIEND TOPS SPAHN 7-3
Groat 2-5 In First Game Back
Yanks Win 14th In Row

Game played on Saturday, October 01, 1960 at Forbes Field

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

A LOOK AT THE 1960 WORLD SERIES MATCHUP
CAN THE ?NEVER-SAY-DIE? PIRATES DO IT?

Tuesday, October 4, 1960

Compare the Pittsburgh Pirates with the New York Yankees as they get ready to battle in the 1960 World Series. Who has more power? Who has better pitching? Can the Pirates match up with the Bronx Bombers?

Game one begins Wednesday, October 5, 1960 at Forbes Field.

Vernon Law (20-9) will start Game One for the Pirates. Will his injured ankle hold up?
Will Casey Stengel really go with Art Ditmar (15-9) as his Game One starter over Whitey Ford (12-9)?

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http://frizzi-beatembucs.mlblogs.com/

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

THE 1960 WORLD SERIES

YANKS SPANK BUCCOS 16-3
Mantle Lines Two HR?s ? One Over 450 Feet!
Pirates Squander Several Scoring Opportunities
Series Tied At One Game Each

Game played on Thursday, October 06, 1960 at Forbes Field

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

THE 1960 WORLD SERIES
Game Three

FORD FOUR HITS PIRATES, 10-0
Richardson Hits Grand Slam Homer
Mantle Hits Another Home Run
Yanks Lead Series 2-1

Game played on Saturday, October 08, 1960 at Yankee Stadium

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http://frizzi-beatembucs.mlblogs.com/

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

THE 1960 WORLD SERIES
Game Four

3 RUN 5TH BEATS NY 3-2.
Law Shuts Down Yanks, Now 2-0
Face Gets 2nd Save
Virdon 2 RBI?s, Law 1 RBI
Hoak Flashes Glove, Kills Rallies
Series Tied 2-2 ? Will Go Back To Pgh!

Game played on Sunday, October 09, 1960 at Yankee Stadium

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http://frizzi-beatembucs.mlblogs.com/

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

BEAT ‘EM BUCS – 1960!
A look at the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates season from stem to stern!
By DA Frizzi

THE 1960 WORLD SERIES
Game Six
FORD SHUTS OUT BUCS AGAIN NY-12, PGH-0
Richardson 2-5, Drives In 3 More RBI?s
Friend 5 ER, 2 HBP in 2 Innings
It?s Now Down To Game Seven!

Game played on Wednesday, October 12, 1960 at Forbes Field

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For Mr. Joe L. Brown, General Manager, 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates