Yinz already know the 1971 Pirates as World Series champions, a team fueled by Roberto Clemente's brilliance and Willie Stargell's power. But that season also held a quieter moment of immense significance – a night that shattered racial barriers in Major League Baseball.
On this date in yinzer history - Sept. 1, 1971, at Three Rivers Stadium, club manager Danny Murtaugh sent a groundbreaking lineup to the plate against the Philadelphia Phillies. It wasn't just any lineup – it was the first all-Black starting nine in baseball history.
Here's who made history that night:
- Gene Clines in left field
- Roberto Clemente (Puerto Rico) at center field
- Willie Stargell at right field
- Donn Clendenon at first base
- Manny Sanguillén (Panama) at second base
- Dave Cash at third base
- Al Oliver at shortstop
- Roy Campanella, catcher
- Dock Ellis, pitcher
While the crowd of 11,278 might not have realized the weight of the moment, these nine players were etching their names in baseball history. The Pirates, known for their diverse roster, were simply putting out the best players available, regardless of race.
The historical significance wasn't lost on everyone. Dave Cash himself remembers mentioning it to teammate Al Oliver as they took the field.
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, with the Pirates ultimately winning 10-7. Sanguillen's two-run homer in the second inning proved to be the key blow.
The lasting impact, however, goes beyond the win column. The all-black lineup stands as a testament to the growing diversity of baseball and a reminder that skill - not skin color - determines who takes the field.
The 1971 Pirates went on to win the World Series, a fitting capstone to a season that saw them rewrite the record books both on and off the field. Here in Pittsburgh, we celebrate them not just for their championship, but also for the night they changed the game forever.