The 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates: “We Are Family” and a Season of Triumph

In the annals of Major League Baseball, the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates stand out not only for their thrilling on-field success but also for the cultural resonance of their unity and spirit. Led by manager Chuck Tanner and anchored by charismatic leaders like Willie Stargell, the ’79 Pirates captured hearts and headlines, riding the rallying cry “We Are Family” all the way to a World Series championship.

Setting the Stage

By 1979, the Pirates were a well-established National League power. They had seen success in the early 1970s, including a World Series title in 1971, but a string of playoff disappointments followed. Coming into the 1979 season, expectations were tempered, but the pieces were in place for a deep run.

Key Offseason Moves:

• Signed catcher Ed Ott to a more prominent role.

• Promoted utility players like Bill Robinson and Phil Garner to consistent starters.

• Rallied around Willie Stargell, who was entering his 21st season, still a feared slugger and now the emotional core of the team.

Willie Stargell Highlights

The Birth of “We Are Family”

The phrase that defined the season wasn’t born in a clubhouse meeting—it came from the Sister Sledge disco hit “We Are Family.” Stargell and other players embraced the song as a metaphor for their camaraderie and chemistry, and it quickly became the team’s anthem. It blared from stadium loudspeakers and echoed across Pittsburgh, embodying a team that fought for each other on and off the field.

“We Are Family” and the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates

Regular Season Highlights

The Pirates finished the regular season with a 98–64 record, clinching the National League East Division. They battled for first place for much of the year with the Montreal Expos, ultimately pulling away in the final weeks.

Offensive Firepower

The Pirates’ offense was balanced, deep, and relentless. Key contributors included:

• Willie Stargell: 32 HR, 82 RBI, and NL co-MVP (shared with Keith Hernandez)

• Dave Parker: .310 AVG, 25 HR, 94 RBI — elite right fielder with a cannon arm

• Omar Moreno: 77 stolen bases and 110 runs scored — a speedster at the top

• Bill Madlock: Acquired midseason from the Giants, hit .328 after joining

• John Milner, Ed Ott, and Phil Garner: Provided critical hits throughout the lineup

Pitching and Defense

The pitching staff was solid if unspectacular, but rose to the occasion when needed.

• John Candelaria: Ace of the rotation, 14–9 with a 3.22 ERA

• Bert Blyleven: Veteran presence with a nasty curveball, 12–5

• Kent Tekulve: Sidearming closer with a rubber arm, 31 saves

• Jim Bibby and Don Robinson: Reliable starters and key playoff contributors

The 1979 NLCS: Pirates vs. Reds

The Pirates swept the Cincinnati Reds 3–0 in the National League Championship Series, showcasing dominant pitching and timely hitting. The Reds, a team with plenty of recent playoff experience, were no match for Pittsburgh’s momentum.

• Game 1: Pirates win 5–2 with big hits from Stargell and Garner

• Game 2: A 3–2 thriller, with Tekulve closing it down. This game also included a horrible by call by the Umpire who ruled Dave Collins did not catch a shot hit to Centerfield.

• Game 3: Pittsburgh seals the sweep at home with a 7–1 win

NLCS Gm1: Stargell’s three-run homer in the 11th

1979 World Series: Pirates vs. Orioles

The World Series matchup between the Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles was a heavyweight battle. Baltimore took a 3–1 lead in the series, but the Pirates would mount one of the greatest comebacks in World Series history.

Games 1–4:

• Orioles jump to 3–1 lead, powered by strong pitching (Jim Palmer, Mike Flanagan) and timely hitting

• Game 4 blowout loss (9–6) put the Pirates on the brink of elimination

The Comeback:

• Game 5 (7–1 win): Stargell and Madlock key the offense, Candelaria shines

• Game 6 (4–0 win): Bibby and Tekulve combine for a shutout, Moreno scores twice

• Game 7 (4–1 win): Willie Stargell hits a legendary go-ahead home run; Tekulve nails down the save

Stargell’s Moment:

Willie Stargell was named World Series MVP, hitting .400 with 3 HR and 7 RBI. At age 39, he became a national icon, a clubhouse leader, and a symbol of perseverance and inspiration.

Legacy of the ’79 Pirates

The 1979 Pirates remain one of baseball’s most beloved championship teams. Their blend of swagger, soul, and solidarity transcended sports. “We Are Family” wasn’t just a slogan — it was a way of life for this group of Pirates.

Cultural Impact:

• “We Are Family” became a sports and pop culture phenomenon

• A symbol of racial unity, as the team boasted a diverse clubhouse led by Black stars like Stargell and Parker

• Pittsburgh’s last World Series title (as of 2025), making the team a nostalgic touchstone

Dave Parker on the 1979 Pirates we are a family

Honors and Memories:

• Willie Stargell’s number 8 retired by the Pirates in 1982

• Numerous documentaries and books have been made about the season

• The 1979 team is often mentioned among the most resilient and tight-knit in MLB history

The 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates were more than just champions — they were a movement. In a year when disco ruled the airwaves and the nation looked for hope, the Pirates danced, fought, and laughed their way to baseball immortality. “We Are Family” wasn’t just their theme song — it was their truth.

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