How a controversial signing in 1891 gave the Pittsburgh Pirates their iconic name

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Pittsburgh Pirates did not start with their famous moniker. Originally known as the Alleghenys, the team earned their lasting nickname after a heated dispute over a player contract led an official to label their actions piratical. Today, the franchise remains a cornerstone of Pittsburgh sports history and culture.

The organization traces its roots to 1881, when Denny McKnight organized a new club in Pittsburgh. Initially a founding member of the American Association in 1882, the team moved to the National League in 1887. The shift to the name Pirates occurred in 1891, following a contentious off-season move. After the Players' League collapsed, the Alleghenys signed second baseman Lou Bierbauer, who had previously played for the Philadelphia Athletics. Because the Athletics failed to include him on their reserve list, the signing sparked a major league-wide controversy, with an official publicly accusing the team of being piratical.

Throughout the 20th century, the franchise experienced distinct eras of success and struggle. The team won its first World Series in 1909 behind Honus Wagner and secured subsequent titles in 1925, 1960, 1971, and 1979. The 1960 victory remains unique in baseball history, as it was decided by Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run in Game 7. Despite these highlights, the club endured a record-setting 20-season losing streak between 1993 and 2012. As of 2025, the team holds an overall record of 10,910 wins and 10,910 losses, maintaining a perfect .500 winning percentage over its long history.

The team's identity is deeply tied to the city of Pittsburgh. In 1948, the club adopted black, gold, and white as its official colors, matching the city's flag and other local professional teams. Since 2001, the Pirates have played at PNC Park, a stadium widely praised for its limestone and steel architecture and views of the skyline. While the team has not returned to the World Series since 1979, its legacy persists through its deep ties to the community and its status as a foundational member of the National League.

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