1960 Pittsburgh Pirates Replay

FRI, SEPT 30 TO SUN, OCT 2. GM’S 153-155. FORBES FIELD, PITTSBURGH.

The Pirates wrapped up their pennant winning season with a two games to one series loss to the Milwaukee Braves in the final series of the year.

On Friday, the Bucs beat the Braves, 4-3, thanks to two triples by Bill Mazeroski. Maz’s second three bagger was in the bottom of the ninth and combined with an error by Wes Covington, gave Pittsburgh a walkoff win. Clem Labine(6-1) was the winning pitcher in relief of Bob Friend.

Milwaukee edged Pittsburgh, 2-1 in Saturday’s contest, handing Vern Law(14-5) his fifth loss of the year. In Sunday’s finale, the Braves took an early, 2-0 lead, then Hank Aaron added a homer as Milwaukee won the final game of the season, 3-1. Vinegar Bend Mizell(15-11) took the loss.

Despite losing the final series, the season was obviously successful. Pittsburgh won the pennant, finishing 3.5 games ahead of Milwaukee. They moved into first place alone on August 27th and held that spot for the rest of the year.

A record 15 game win streak, from 8-22-60 to 9-06-60, was the highlight of the Buc’s campaign. No one player really stood out. Only one player had more than 80 runs scored (Bob Skinner) and no one had over 75 runs batted in. Dick Groat led the club in batting average(.337) and on base pct.(.385). Dick Stuart led the team in homeruns(23), beating out Don Hoak(21). Stuart also led in slugging pct.(.512). Roberto Clemente went 3-4 on the last day of the year, to get his average over .300(.302), but overall, his season was somewhat disappointing. Smokey Burgess was a pleasant surprise, batting .314 in 430 at bats. He added 9 homers as well.

Really, it was the starting pitchers who were the difference. Bob Friend(18-7, 2.70 7CG, 1Sh); Vernon Law(14-5, 2.53, 5CG, 1Sh); Vinegar Bend Mizell(15-11, 2.46, 7CG, 4Sh); Harvey Haddix(13-7, 3.18, 4CG, 3Sh). In the bullpen, Clem Labine(6-1 1.97) was the star.

Final National League Standings

Pittsburgh/155/92/63/.594/—

Milwaukee/154/88/66/.571/3.5

St. Louis/155/85/70/.548/7

San Francisco/155/85/70/.548/7

Los Angeles/154/81/73/.526/10.5

Cincinnati/154/68/86/.442/23.5

Chicago/155/60/95/.387/32

Philadelphia/154/59/95/.383/32.5