Pirates Mark 50th Anniversary Of MLB's First All-Minority Lineup

Pittsburgh PA

31 August, 2021

12:52 PM

Description

PITTSBURGH, PA — Major League Baseball and the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday mark the 50th anniversary of the breaking of one of the sport's most significant racial barriers. On September 1, 1971, the Pirates became the first Major League Baseball team to start an all-minority lineup. The nine Black and Latino players in the starting lineup that day were: Rennie Stennet, second base. Gene Clines, center field. Roberto Clemente, right field. Willie Stargell, left field. Manny Sanguillen, catcher. Dave Cash, third base. Al Oliver, first base. Jackie Hernandez, shortstop. Dock Ellis, pitcher. The Pirates defeated the Philadelphia Phillies that night, 10-7. To mark the occasion, the Pirates will host an hour-long panel discussion on the game Wednesday at 6:30 at the Heinz History Center in the Strip District. The panel will feature the four surviving members of the lineup - Cash, Clines, Oliver and Sanguillen - along with Roberto Clemente Jr. Also, Pirates Charities is auctioning off jerseys autographed by the four. All proceeds supporting the Pirates RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Program, whose mission involves increasing participation and diversity in baseball with a focus on the under-served and under-represented. More than 1,500 boys and girls ages 9-18 participate in the Pirates RBI with funding support from Pirates Charities. Be the first to know what's happening in your community and region. With a free Patch subscription, you'll always be up to date on local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe.