 Pittsburgh Pirates' All-Star shortstop, Jack Wilson
Ron's
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Contrary to what my kids believe, the Pittsburgh Pirates didn't always lose close to 100 games every season. In fact, the Bucs were a contender almost every year when I was kid growing up in Pittsburgh. I've seen the Pirates win two World Series in my lifetime, in 1971 and 1979. I remember both World Series very well. The '71 Series was a showcase for Roberto Clemente, Steve Blass winning two games, first baseman Bob Robertson blasting a home run after missing a bunt sign and Bruce Kison starting the first night game in World Series history. In seven games, the Baltimore Orioles were defeated.
In 1979, it was the Pirates and Orioles once again. Led by their captain Willie "Pops" Stargell, the Bucs won the Series in 7 games. It was a Series that featured dramatic hitting from Stargell, the tragic death of manager Chuck Tanner's mother prior to game five, a clutch spot start from Jim Rooker and great relief work from closer Kent Tekulve. "We Are Family" was the team's theme song and the Orioles' much-celebrated pitching staff could not stop the pesky Pirates. It was a great Series full of tension and dramatic moments and I loved every minute of it. Little did I know then that the Pirates would go 26 years in the future and not make the World Series again.
The '79 Bucs were a special team to me and when my sons and I went to the 1979 team's 25th anniversary reunion at PNC Park in July 2004, we decided that we were going to collect as many members of the '79 Pirates as we could. We collected five signed baseballs that day (Chuck Tanner, Don Robinson, Rennie Stennett, Kent Tekulve and Omar Moreno). I had purchased a Stargell-signed ball prior to his death and paid for just two other balls that are in the collection thus far - John Candelaria and Bert Blyleven. All the rest have been signed at no cost TTM.
I'm getting near the end of what can be collected - I'm going to have to purchase balls signed by John Milner and pitching coach Harvey Haddix if I want those two (both are deceased). No one seems to know where Enrique Romo is either. I'm waiting on a response from outfielder Lee Lacy. A purchase of Bill Madlock is still pending after many months. It's been a fun project and I hope my sons will hang onto these baseballs and cards for a very long time.
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