harvey haddix

Pittsburgh Pirates acquire pitcher Harvey Haddix

On January 30, 1959, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquire pitcher Harvey Haddix, catcher Smoky Burgess, and infielder Don Hoak (photo)from the Cincinnati Reds for third baseman Frank Thomas, infielder-outfielder Jim Pendleton, outfielder Johnny Powers and pitcher Charles “Whammy” Douglas-cash. The deal will turn out to be one on the worst in Cincinnati history. Frank Thomas (no,…

Richie Ashburn clinches the batting title, going 3 for 4 to finish at .3495. Willie Mays .3466

1958 – In the Phillies’ 6 – 4, 10-inning win at Pittsburgh, Richie Ashburn clinches the batting title, going 3 for 4 to finish at .3495. Willie Mays, leading off in San Francisco’s win over St. Louis, is 3 for 5 to finish at .3466. Dave Philley sets a major-league record for consecutive pinch hits when he doubles in the 7th for his 8th straight pinch hit. Peanuts Lowrey had seven straight pinch hits in 1952.

Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburgh Pirates ties a modern day record by collecting three triples in a game

On September 8, 1958, Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburgh Pirates ties a modern day record by collecting three triples in a game against the Cincinnati Reds. Clemente’s outburst helps the Pirates to a 4-1 win. Rookie pitcher Curt Raydon (8-4) collects his only major league hit in the 5th to ignite a 3-run rally. This is also…

Dick Stuart’s two-run, tie-breaking 450-foot unmanned expedition to Waveland Avenue puts Pittsburgh in the winner’s circle, 4 – 2, over the Chicago Cubs.

Dick Stuart’s two-run, tie-breaking 450-foot unmanned expedition to Waveland Avenue puts Pittsburgh in the winner’s circle, 4 – 2, over the Chicago Cubs.

Dick Stuart’s two-run, tie-breaking 450-foot unmanned expedition to Waveland Avenue puts Pittsburgh in the winner’s circle, 4 – 2, over the Chicago Cubs. Stuart’s clout, in conjunction with an earlier two-run blast by Bill Mazeroski, helps boost the surging Bucs to their 20th win in 28 tries, moving them from last place on July 22nd to third place today, making up eight games on the floundering Giants in the process. Roberto Clemente’s stellar defense keeps the Cubs’ bats at bay. Cubs’ beat writer Richard Dozer writes: “The Cubs couldn’t get an offensive menace started, due largely to the Pirates’ right fielder, Roberto Clemente. He made two sensational catches: one acrobatic catch of Bobby Thomson’s liner in the 4th inning and one in the 8th inning to rob Walt Moryn of a single that would have sent Ernie Banks to third with no one out. Clemente also threw out Dale Long, who was attempting to move from first to third on Sam Taylor’s single in the 2nd inning and it was speedy Roberto’s single in the 6th that preceded Stuart’s 450-foot home run.”

Willie Stargell signed by Pirates

Willie Stargell signed by Pirates

On August 7, 1958, the Pittsburgh Pirates sign Willie Stargell as an amateur free agent for a reported $1,500 signing bonus. Stargell, 18 years old at the time had just graduated Encinal HS in Alameda, California, where his baseball teammates included future MLB players Tommy Harper and Curt Motton. Stargell played for farm teams in New Mexico, North Dakota,…

Roberto Clemente’s guns down Willie Mays

Roberto Clemente’s guns down Willie Mays

1958 – When is scoring position not scoring position? When Roberto Clemente’s in right field, of course – as his tutor, Willie Mays, is reminded, to his great embarrassment. “The Giants only had one shot at Pirates’ starter Curt Raydon,” writes Bob Stevens in the San Francisco Chronicle. “In the 7th, Willie Mays, after walking in the 1st and 4th innings, led off with a line-drive single to right. Leon Wagner walked and Orlando Cepeda belted one safely to the same field. Even though the Giants were trailing 8 – 0 and had none away, Mays tried to score and was thrown out – Roberto Clemente to Bill Hall. Willie was out by so far he didn’t even try to slide. After the game Herman Franks, the traffic cop at third base, said, ‘I sent him in. It wasn’t Willie’s fault.'”

Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews and outfielder Wes Covington hit back-to-back-to-back home runs against Ron Kline of the Pittsburgh Pirates

Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews and outfielder Wes Covington hit back-to-back-to-back home runs against Ron Kline of the Pittsburgh Pirates

Interested in exploring FRANCHISING? We will help you through your journey visit us @ www.franchisingconnection.com On May 31, 1958, future Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews and outfielder Wes Covington hit back-to-back-to-back home runs against Ron Kline of the Pittsburgh Pirates, powering the Milwaukee Braves to an 8-3 win. Aaron, Mathews and Covington…