42: On April 15, 1997, acting MLB Commissioner Bug Selig retired Jackie Robinson's #42 for all teams in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Robinson's breaking the color barrier in MLB. Pirate pitcher Jason Schmidt was assigned that number at the time, and he can continue to wear #42 as long as he plays for the Pirates. #42 will not be issued to any future Pirate players and is effectively retired.
A catcher with the White Sox and Athletics (1913, 1916-17), Meyer won eight pennants as a manager of minor league clubs
from 1926 through 1947 before becoming the Pirate Manager in 1948. Known for his rapport with players, fans and the press,
Meyer managed in Pittsburgh for five seasons, compiling a record of 317-452.
He was The Sporting News
Manager of the Year in 1948 when the Bucs compiled a record of 83-71.
Following his five year tenure as Pirate Manager, Meyer was a Pittsburgh scout for three years.
Years with the Bucs 1948-1952
His Number 1 was retired by the Pirates in 1954.
Curtis Lyons (lyons@aztec.lib.utk.edu) wrote to tell me that the Knoxville Tennessee AA Ball Park is named after Billy Meyer. The Blue Jays' Southern League Affiliate (Knoxville Smokies) play there. Meyer was a hometown boy in Knoxville. The Smokies moved to Sevierville TN after the 1999 season, so the future for Billy Meyer Stadium, opened in 1955, is in doubt.
A second baseman with the Phillies, Braves, and Pirates, Danny Murtaugh was one of the most successful managers in
Pirate history. He managed the Bucs in four different stints during 15 seasons between 1957 and 1976. During that
time he became one of only 36 managers to win 1,000 games, compiling a record of 1,115-950, his win total ranking second
on the Pirate all-time list to Fred Clarke's 1,422. He led the Pirates to four Eastern Division Crowns and two World
Series Championships (1960, 1971). He was named The Sporting News Manager
of the Year in 1960 and 1970.
Years with the Bucs as a player: 1948-1951.
Years with the Bucs as a manager: 1957-1964, 1967, 1970-1971, 1973-1976.
His Number 40 was retired by the Pirates in 1977.
Picture from my baseball card collection.(43k)
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