On April 26, 1997, Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs breaks Hall of Famer Joe Morgan’s major league record for most home runs by a second baseman. Sandberg’s 267th career home run at the position helps the Cubs to a 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
1996 – Kevin McClatchy and his group of investors purchase the Pirates from the Pittsburgh Associates.
1995 – The Chicago White Sox trade OF Tim Raines to the New York Yankees in exchange for future considerations and the Pittsburgh Pirates sign free agent 3B Charlie Hayes.
The Pittsburgh Pirates release Tim Wakefield, who posted an 8-1 record in 1993 and was named the National League rookie pitcher of the year. The knuckleballer started the 1994 opener, but spent most of the season with the Buffalo Bisons of the International League, going 5-15, and was shelled in his only start this spring. Wakefield will be picked up by the Boston Red Sox and will revive his career there.
1993 – Free agent outfielder Lonnie Smith is signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Houston Astros sign free agent pitcher Doug Drabek to a four-year contract worth $19.5 million.
Phillies’ second baseman Mickey Morandini catches Jeff King’s line drive, steps on second doubling up Andy Van Slyke, and tags Barry Bonds to complete an unassisted triple play in a 3-2 loss to the Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium. The triple killing is the first in the National League since 1927 when Cubs’ shortstop Jimmy Cooney accomplished the rare feat in a contest against the Pirates.
In his first start at Wrigley Field since his announcement that he’s leaving Chicago, Greg Maddux beats the Pirates, 3 – 2. In the 8th inning, the Wrigley faithful give the ace pitcher a standing ovation.
The Braves defeat the Pirates, 1 – 0, despite getting only one hit. The one safety is a 2nd-inning homer by OF David Justice off Danny Jackson. Charlie Leibrandt goes eight innings for the win.
ON June 6, 1992 – Eddie Murray sets a new RBI record for switch hitters, driving in the 1,510th run of his career with a first-inning sac fly in the Mets’ 15-1 rout of Pittsburgh at Three Rivers Stadium. The New York first baseman surpasses Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle’s 18-year total to establish the…
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