What Is 1957 Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team

Overview

The 1957 Pittsburgh Pirates were a Major League Baseball team competing in the National League during a transitional period for the franchise. Coming off a 66–88 record in 1956, expectations remained modest as the team struggled to build consistent offensive and pitching depth.

Managed by Bobby Bragan, the Pirates played their home games at Forbes Field, a historic ballpark in Pittsburgh. Despite standout individual performances, the team lacked overall cohesion and finished well below .500, emblematic of a rebuilding phase in the late 1950s.

• The team finished with a 62–92 record, the worst in the National League outside of the last-place Chicago Cubs, who went 62–90.
• Dale Long set a new MLB record by hitting a home run in eight consecutive games from May 19 to May 28, surpassing previous marks held by Ken Williams and Hank Aaron.
• Dick Groat led the team in batting average with a .273 mark, appearing in 139 games and solidifying his role as a cornerstone infielder.
• Forbes Field hosted all 77 home games, drawing a total attendance of 655,894, averaging about 8,500 fans per game despite the team’s poor record.
• The pitching staff had a collective 4.35 ERA, among the worst in the league, with Bob Friend leading the rotation with 12 wins despite a 3.93 ERA.

Notable Performances and Records

The 1957 season is best remembered for individual achievements, especially Dale Long’s historic power surge. While the team underperformed overall, several players delivered moments that captured national attention and entered baseball lore.

• Dale Long’s 8-game home run streak occurred between May 19 and May 28, a record later tied by Don Mattingly and surpassed only by Ken Griffey Jr. in 1993.
• Bob Friend led the pitching staff with 12 wins and 178 strikeouts, though he also suffered 18 losses due to lack of run support.
• Bill Virdon batted .277 and played elite center field, contributing 118 runs and 36 stolen bases, showcasing rare speed on a power-limited roster.
• Frank Thomas, not the future DH but a Pirates outfielder, hit 20 home runs and drove in 67 runs, providing consistent middle-of-the-order production.
• Rookie Smoky Burgess appeared in 97 games, batting .277 with 8 home runs, beginning a long tenure as a key Pirates catcher.
• The team hit 127 home runs, ranking fifth in the National League, powered largely by Long, Thomas, and Groat’s occasional power.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1957 Pirates stacked up against other National League teams in key statistical categories:

The Pirates shared the league’s cellar with the Cubs in terms of winning percentage, though Pittsburgh’s run differential of –129 highlighted deeper systemic issues. While Milwaukee dominated the league en route to a World Series title, Pittsburgh’s offensive flashes couldn’t compensate for defensive lapses and inconsistent starting pitching.

Why It Matters

Though not a championship team, the 1957 Pirates played a role in shaping the franchise’s future and contributed memorable milestones to baseball history. The season exemplifies how individual excellence can shine even during team-wide struggles.

• Dale Long’s 8-game streak was a national sensation and remained a franchise record until surpassed decades later, underscoring Pittsburgh’s occasional flair for the dramatic.
• The season highlighted the need for rebuilding, leading to increased focus on player development, culminating in the drafting of future stars like Roberto Clemente in later years.
• Forbes Field remained a cultural landmark, hosting games during a pivotal era in Pittsburgh sports, before the team moved to Three Rivers Stadium in 1970.
• Bobby Bragan’s leadership emphasized fundamentals and player discipline, laying groundwork for future managerial philosophies in the organization.
• The Pirates’ poor record contributed to increased fan demand for change, pressuring management to pursue trades and scouting improvements.
• This season preceded Pittsburgh’s 1960 World Series win, serving as a developmental phase that helped build the eventual championship roster.

The 1957 Pittsburgh Pirates may not be remembered for wins, but their blend of struggle and standout moments reflects the unpredictable, human nature of baseball seasons.