## Pittsburgh Pirates Pitching: A Storied History The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, with a rich history dating back to the 1880s. Over the years, the Pirates have fielded some of the greatest pitchers in the game, including Hall of Famers such as Bob Gibson, Wilbur Cooper, and Steve Blass. ### Early Days The Pirates' pitching staff was a major force in the early days of the National League. In 1884, Guy Hecker led the league with a 1.80 ERA and 338 strikeouts, while teammates Pud Galvin and Jim McCormick finished second and third in the ERA race, respectively. The Pirates went on to win the NL pennant that year, their first of six in the 19th century. ### The Golden Age The Pirates' pitching staff reached its peak in the 1900s and 1910s, when the team won four World Series titles. Led by Hall of Famers Babe Adams, Howie Camnitz, and Bill Doak, the Pirates had one of the most dominant pitching staffs in the majors. In 1909, Adams and Camnitz combined to throw a no-hitter against the Brooklyn Superbas. ### The Modern Era The Pirates have continued to produce quality pitchers in the modern era. In the 1950s, Bob Friend and Vern Law formed one of the best pitching duos in the game. In the 1960s and 1970s, Steve Blass, Dock Ellis, and Bruce Kison led the Pirates to three NL East titles. More recently, A.J. Burnett, Gerrit Cole, and Jameson Taillon have been key members of the Pirates' pitching staff. ### Conclusion The Pittsburgh Pirates have a long and proud tradition of pitching excellence. From the early days of the National League to the modern era, the Pirates have fielded some of the greatest pitchers in the game. The Pirates' pitching staff is sure to continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
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