The successive version of this newsletter is counting the 50 greatest baseball clubs ever (A/k/a is the 50 best), and here is my new book ranking The best team in baseball. Today’s entry focuses on Pittsburgh Pirates 20 in 1971.
Here is a quick boilerplate note attached to each story I have in this series:
I compiled the best 50 by analyzing 2,544 major league teams from 1903 to 2024. (The historical percentile for a given club is the percentage of its other 2,543 teams.)
Please refer to my book to explain my TS calculations. The book also offers a separate breakdown of the best and worst clubs every decade, along with a comprehensive overview of the best 50 (including a position-by-position lineup and more information than you will find in this newsletter), and a similar summary of the 10 worst teams of all time.
Now enter today’s profile.
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Team: Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971
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Team Score: 88.399 points
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Ranking History: 20 of 2,544
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Historical percentile: 99.25%
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Seasonal record: 97-65 (.599)
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Season position: No. 1 in the Eastern League
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Final identity: World Champion
The Pirates played a fierce game against the Cardinals and the Mets in the initial half in 1971. The other two clubs finished first in the National League East from late June 9 to June 9, with Pittsburgh being another half-time match. The Pirates then moved forward, although the Independence Day lead was still small, with only four games.
That’s when the stripes begin. From July 5 to July 18, the Pirates achieved 11 consecutive victories, hitting their opponents with a total score of 68-23. Their division lead surged 11 games. “This isn’t over yet,” the Pittsburgh manager said. Danny Murtaugh. “But I do feel like we’ve shown that we’re the club going to beat.”
Left fielder Willie Stargell The title is the most powerful batting order in the league. He beat his 30th home run on July 10, although he cooled down afterward and drew national attention with a 48-shot score. The Pirates also slowed down, but they still won NL East in seven games.
Get a complete low in 50 greatest (and 10 weakest) clubs of all time
The Pirates lost in the National League Championship series last year, losing to Cincinnati. But they roared and reborn in the 1971 NLC. Pittsburgh smashes eight home runs – Four Baseman Bob Robertson – And subdued the Giants in four games.
World Series is a round trip. Baltimore won the first two games, the Pirates rebounded and won three straight consecutive victories, while the Orioles had the upper hand in Game 6. Roberto ClementeHomer puts the Pirates in the ending of DO- or DIE, starting Steve Blass Throwed four shots to ensure Pittsburgh won 2-1.
Despite the stinging situation, Danny Murtaugh relied on a light match to finish the game. “There is no trip to the mound,” Brass said. “In the seventh game of 2-1, what about? I love him.”
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although Bill Mazeroski Willie Stargell is willing to postpone it to the club’s recognized superstar, right-fielder Roberto Clemente.
“There is no flaw in Clement’s game,” Mazerosky said religiously. Before the 1971 World Series MVP was announced, Stargell walked to Clement. The winner will receive a new Dodge charger. “Roberto, if you don’t get that car, I’ll buy you one myself,” Starger said. Clement’s name was quickly called.
His .341 hit average is the fourth best in the national league, a particularly impressive feat as Clemente is 37 years old. “There is an old man breaking his butt in every game and every game,” the reserve outfielder said Genes, etc.. “Look, I’m 25 years old. If he can fight like this, wouldn’t he?”
The second daily player exceeds .300, the receiver Manny Sanguillen In .319. Stargell is close to .295, although Power is his main attribute. He leads the National League with 48 home runs and ranks second with 125 runs. “He didn’t just hit the pitcher,” the Dodgers said. Don Sutton. “He deprived them of their dignity.”
Pittsburgh batsman is well known – the club has achieved the best average in the Grand Slam (.416) – but the pitchers are not equal. Pier Ellis Although his arm aches limited his subsequent effectiveness, he sprinted to a 15-3 record by mid-July. He won 19 victories. Steve Blass won 15 games in his relative anonymity glory. “I’m very happy to be part of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ unnamed pitcher,” he said.
