Posts by John Dreker

John Dreker

1368 posts

Gene Clines Passes Away at 75 Years Old

Today at 11:34 am

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced the passing of Gene Clines, outfielder for the 1970-74 Pirates. He was 75 years old. It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of former Pirate Gene Clines. Gene was part of the first all-minority lineup in Major League Baseball history. We send our…

Card of the Day: 2003 Bazooka Bazooka Joe

Card of the Day

Today at 12:01 am

Many of you looked at the title and instantly had question marks floating over your head. Isn’t this a Pittsburgh Pirates Card of the Day feature? Why does it have the word bazooka back-to-back in the title? And many other odd questions that I will hopefully answer. I’m here to…

This Date in Pittsburgh Pirates History: January 27th, Pirates Sign Elmer Dessens and Pascual Perez

This Date in Pittsburgh Baseball History

Today at 12:01 am

Two former Pittsburgh Pirates born on this date and two transactions of note, but before we get into them, current outfielder Bryan Reynolds is celebrating his 27th birthday today. He will get a bio when he’s a former player, which I’m sure most of you are hoping is a long…

Card of the Day: N300 Mayo Tom Kinslow

Card of the Day

Yesterday at 12:01 am

Today’s Card of the Day comes from a set that I consider to be very important. Baseball cards were very popular during the 1887-89 time period, then the production of them died off for the most part until around 1908. There are exceptions to that statement, but not many, and…

This Date in Pittsburgh Pirates History: January 26th, Connie Mack Trades for the Best Catcher in the League

This Date in Pittsburgh Baseball History

Yesterday at 12:01 am

Just two former Pittsburgh Pirates born on this date, plus there’s one transaction of note. The Trade On this date in 1895 the Pittsburgh Pirates traded pitcher Ad Gumbert to the Brooklyn Grooms for catcher Tom Kinslow. Gumbert was 26 years old at the time of the trade. He was…

This Date in Pittsburgh Pirates History: January 25th, Pirates Helps the Cardinals Win the 1982 World Series

This Date in Pittsburgh Baseball History

25 Jan at 12:01 am

Only two former Pittsburgh Pirates players born on this date and one minor transaction of note. The Players Dan Serafini, pitcher for the 2000 Pirates. He was a first round draft pick of the Minnesota Twins in 1992 out of high school in California. He averaged just over a strikeout…

Game Rewind: The Missing Game in Pittsburgh Pirates Franchise History

Pirates Game Rewind

25 Jan at 12:01 am

On August 15, 1884, the Pittsburgh Alleghenys defeated the Baltimore Orioles by a 5-3 score. Here’s the boxscore proof of this game: Here’s something also interesting. Part of the season recap from Retrosheet for the 1884 Pittsburgh season, with the team’s abysmal record indicated at the right side: Notice anything…

Card of the Day: 1937 Goudey Wide Pen Cy Blanton

Card of the Day

24 Jan at 12:02 am

Today’s Card of the Day comes from the 1937 Goudey set referred to as the Wide Pen set. Today’s featured player is pitcher Cy Blanton, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1934 through 1939. There’s no good reason to feature Blanton on January 24th. He was born in July,…

This Date in Pittsburgh Pirates History: January 24th, Johnny Dickshot Leads a Group of Obscure Pirates

This Date in Pittsburgh Baseball History

24 Jan at 12:02 am

Seven former Pittsburgh Pirates born on this date, starting with one who was a key part of a major trade that helped bring in a World Series title. Dave Brain, third baseman for the 1905 Pirates. He was one of three players traded to the Boston Beaneaters in December 1905…

This Date in Pittsburgh Pirates History: January 23rd, Pirates and Braves Swap Hall of Famers

This Date in Pittsburgh Baseball History

23 Jan at 12:01 am

Eight former Pittsburgh Pirates born on this date, plus a trade of note involving two future Hall of Famers. The Trade On this date in 1921 the Pittsburgh Pirates traded infielder Walter Barbare, outfielders Billy Southworth and Fred Nicholson, along with $15,000 cash, to the Boston Braves in exchange for…