What Is 1987 Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team

Overview

The 1987 Pittsburgh Pirates marked the 106th season in franchise history and the 18th at Three Rivers Stadium. Under first-year manager Jim Leyland, the team showed signs of rebuilding, finishing with an 80-82 record—just two games above .500 and third in the National League East.

The season was notable for the continued development of young talent, especially outfielder Barry Bonds, who was in his second major league season. Though the Pirates missed the playoffs, the year laid the foundation for future competitiveness in the early 1990s.

• Record and Standing: The team finished 80-82, placing third in the NL East, 18 games behind the division-winning St. Louis Cardinals.
• Managerial Transition: Jim Leyland took over as manager in 1986 and continued in 1987, beginning a transformative era that would peak with three consecutive division titles from 1990–1992.
• Home Field: All home games were played at Three Rivers Stadium, a multi-purpose venue that hosted both the Pirates and the Steelers.
• Offensive Output: The Pirates scored 696 runs, ranking fifth in the National League, fueled by a balanced lineup rather than a single dominant hitter.
• Attendance: The team drew 1,278,095 fans for the season, averaging just over 15,600 per game, reflecting modest fan engagement during a rebuilding phase.

Key Players and Performance

The 1987 roster blended emerging stars with veteran contributors, setting the stage for future success. While not a playoff contender, the season highlighted individual breakthroughs and positional adjustments that shaped the team’s trajectory.

• Barry Bonds: In his sophomore season, Bonds batted .261 with 16 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 32 stolen bases, showing the all-around potential that would make him an MVP candidate later.
• Bobby Bonilla: Bonilla had a breakout year, hitting .271 with 20 home runs and 88 RBIs, establishing himself as a middle-of-the-order force.
• John Candelaria: The starting pitcher went 10-13 with a 4.59 ERA over 32 starts, leading the rotation in innings pitched with 208.1.
• Jeff King: A rookie in 1987, King appeared in 15 games, primarily as a pinch-hitter, beginning a career that would peak in the early 1990s.
• John Wehner: Played multiple infield positions, appearing in 76 games and providing valuable defensive flexibility during a transitional season.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1987 Pirates compared closely with other mid-tier NL teams in performance and roster development. The following table highlights key statistical comparisons:

While the Pirates matched the Phillies in wins, their pitching staff’s 4.50 ERA ranked near the bottom of the league. Offensively, they were competitive but lacked the consistency needed to challenge the dominant Cardinals and Mets.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season is significant as a pivot point between the Pirates’ losing eras of the 1980s and their dominant run in the early 1990s. It marked the emergence of future stars and the beginning of Jim Leyland’s managerial impact.

• Foundation for Success: The development of Bonds and Bonilla laid the groundwork for the Pirates’ three straight NL East titles from 1990 to 1992.
• Managerial Influence: Jim Leyland’s leadership began reshaping team culture, emphasizing discipline and player development.
• Scouting and Draft Impact: The team’s focus on young talent reflected a shift toward long-term planning over short-term fixes.
• Ballpark Legacy: Three Rivers Stadium remained a central part of Pittsburgh sports culture until its closure in 2000.
• Fan Expectations: Though not a playoff year, the improvement from 1986’s 64-98 record raised hopes for future competitiveness.
• Historical Context: The 1987 season is remembered as a transitional year that foreshadowed the team’s rise before the 1992 NLCS appearance.