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Happy February, Bucs Dugout Nation! Spring training is now only a couple of weeks away, and we look forward to seeing what the 2020 season brings for the Pirates. Remember, no panicking is allowed until July.
Today’s TT focuses on famous trades. Once again, many thanks go to Terry Martin for his help with these. Also, there are no confusing nicknames to trip up anyone—including yours truly—this week.
The Cincinnati Reds traded this player to the Bucs on January thirtieth, 1959 after he fell out of favor with then-Reds GM Gabe Paul. He went on to catch Harvey Haddix’s 12-inning perfect game later that year and was a major contributor to the Bucs’ 1960 World Series win:
A. Smoky Burgess B. Don Hoak C. Clem Labine D. Frank Thomas
This star Pirate was traded to the Chicago Cubs by GM Branch Rickey on June fourth, 1953 with a host of other players after a salary dispute. Rickey reportedly told the player, “We finished last with you, we can finish last without you.”
A. Ernie Banks B. Hank Sauer C. Ralph Kiner D. Wally Westlake
On March fifteenth, 1977, the Pirates made a blockbuster trade with the Oakland Athletics to get star infielder and future postseason hero Phil Garner. Which Pirate was not included in the trade?
A. Tony Armas B. Doc Medich C. Rick Langford D. Richie Zisk
This effective Pirates utility player came in a trade from the Philadelphia Phillies on April fifth, 1975. After eight seasons, he was traded back to the Phillies, where he finished his career:
A. Matty Alou B. Bill Robinson C. Ken Brett D. Mike Easler
In one of the (somewhat) more even trades in Pirates history, this longtime Bucs favorite went to the St. Louis Cardinals on April first, 1987 in exchange for (among others) Andy Van Slyke:
A. Manny Sanguillen B. Tony Peña C. Steve Nicosa D. Ed Ott
Come back Thursday for the answers and a format change announcement!