What Is 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team

Overview

The 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates were a Major League Baseball team competing in the National League. They played during a transitional era in baseball, marked by rising star power and evolving team strategies. Despite strong individual performances, the team fell short of a pennant race finish.

Under the leadership of manager Pie Traynor, the Pirates showed consistent performance throughout the season. Their 86 wins were the second-highest in franchise history to that point, reflecting a competitive roster. However, they were unable to close the gap on the dominant Chicago Cubs.

• Record and Standing: The Pirates finished the 1938 season with an 86–64 record, placing them third in the National League, nine games behind the first-place Cubs.
• Home Field: All home games were held at Forbes Field, a historic ballpark located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, known for its intimate fan experience and unique field dimensions.
• Manager: Pie Traynor, a Hall of Fame third baseman, managed the team for the entire season, emphasizing fundamentals and aggressive base running.
• Top Performer: Shortstop Arky Vaughan led the offense with a .304 batting average, 17 home runs, and 74 RBIs, earning him consideration for MVP honors.
• Pitching Staff: The rotation was anchored by future Hall of Famer Rip Sewell, who posted a 14–11 record with a 3.87 ERA over 212 innings pitched.

Season Highlights and Key Players

The 1938 campaign featured several standout moments and performances that defined the Pirates' competitive edge. From clutch hitting to defensive gems, the team showcased resilience despite missing the postseason.

• Opening Day: The Pirates began the season on April 19, 1938, with a loss to the Cincinnati Reds at Crosley Field, setting a challenging tone early in the year.
• Midseason Surge: In July, Pittsburgh won 20 of 27 games, peaking at just 4.5 games behind the Cubs, briefly igniting pennant hopes.
• Arky Vaughan’s All-Star Season: Vaughan played in the 1938 All-Star Game and ranked among the league leaders in on-base percentage (.401) and runs scored (99).
• Team Defense: The Pirates committed only 109 errors during the season, one of the lowest totals in the league, thanks to strong infield play.
• Attendance: Forbes Field drew 458,488 fans in 1938, a 12% increase from the previous year, reflecting growing local enthusiasm.
• September Fade: The team went 11–17 in September, losing crucial ground and ending any realistic chance at the NL pennant.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1938 Pirates compared to other top National League teams that season:

The table shows that while the Pirates had a better record than the second-place Giants, they were still nine games behind the Cubs. Their .573 winning percentage was strong, but inconsistent late-season performance kept them out of contention. The team ranked highly in both offense and defense, but lacked the depth to sustain a full-season push.

Why It Matters

The 1938 season is remembered as a near-miss for Pittsburgh, highlighting both the promise and limitations of the roster. It laid groundwork for future improvements and remains a notable chapter in Pirates history.

• Historical Context: The season occurred during the Great Depression, a time when baseball served as vital entertainment and economic stimulus for cities like Pittsburgh.
• Player Development: Young talents such as pitcher Mace Brown, who saved 14 games, signaled a shift toward modern bullpen strategies.
• Legacy of Pie Traynor: Traynor’s leadership solidified his reputation, though he would be replaced after the 1939 season.
• Forbes Field Culture: The ballpark became a community hub, with attendance growth reflecting baseball’s enduring popularity.
• Statistical Benchmark: The team’s .304 team batting average was among the best in the league, showcasing offensive strength.
• Missed Opportunity: Finishing third despite a winning record underscored the competitive balance of the 1938 NL season.

The 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates exemplify a team on the cusp of greatness—strong enough to challenge, yet just short of triumph. Their season remains a point of pride for fans and a case study in baseball’s unpredictable nature.