What Is 1917 Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team

Overview

The 1917 Pittsburgh Pirates were a Major League Baseball team competing in the National League. They endured one of the most difficult seasons in franchise history, finishing with a dismal 51–103 record, the worst in the league that year.

Playing their home games at Forbes Field, the Pirates struggled both offensively and defensively, ranking near the bottom in multiple statistical categories. Despite a few bright spots, the team failed to contend and ended the season in last place.

• Record: The team finished with a 51–103 record, giving them a .331 winning percentage, the lowest in the National League.
• Manager:Hugo Bezdek managed the full season after being named skipper late in 1916, overseeing a rebuilding effort.
• Ballpark: All home games were played at Forbes Field, which opened in 1909 and seated over 25,000 fans.
• Runs Scored: The Pirates scored only 499 runs, averaging just 3.2 runs per game, one of the lowest in the league.
• Runs Allowed: They gave up 627 runs, highlighting significant pitching and defensive shortcomings throughout the season.

Season Performance Breakdown

The 1917 campaign was marked by inconsistency, injuries, and a lack of offensive firepower. The Pirates never climbed above seventh place and spent most of the season at the bottom of the standings.

• Starting Pitcher:Hal Carlson led the rotation with a 10–18 record and a 3.75 ERA over 212 innings pitched.
• Best Hitter: Outfielder Casey Stengel hit .279 with 4 home runs and 44 RBIs, one of the few offensive bright spots.
• Team ERA: The pitching staff posted a 3.76 ERA, second-worst in the National League, contributing to their poor record.
• Home vs. Road: They went 26–51 at home and 25–52 on the road, showing no significant advantage in either setting.
• Longest Streak: The Pirates endured a 12-game losing streak in August, one of the longest in franchise history at the time.
• Attendance: Forbes Field saw reduced crowds, with average attendance dipping below 3,000 per game during the season.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1917 Pirates compared poorly to both league leaders and their own past performances, as shown in the table below:

The table highlights the Pirates’ struggles: while teams like the New York Giants dominated, Pittsburgh lagged far behind in both run production and prevention. Their performance underscored a team in transition, lacking depth and consistency.

Why It Matters

The 1917 season is remembered as a low point in Pirates history, but it also laid the foundation for future rebuilding efforts. Understanding this season helps contextualize the team’s long-term trajectory and management decisions.

• Rebuilding Phase: The poor record signaled the need for a major roster overhaul, which began in the following off-season.
• Player Development: Young players like Charlie Grimm saw increased playing time, gaining experience for future roles.
• Managerial Impact: Hugo Bezdek’s leadership was scrutinized, leading to changes in the front office by 1918.
• Historical Context: The season occurred during World War I, which affected player availability and fan attendance.
• Legacy of Forbes Field: Despite team struggles, the ballpark remained a franchise cornerstone for decades.
• Statistical Benchmark: The 103 losses remain one of the highest loss totals in Pirates history.

The 1917 Pittsburgh Pirates serve as a reminder of how even storied franchises endure difficult seasons. Their performance that year influenced player acquisitions, managerial changes, and long-term team strategy in the years that followed.