What Is 1999 Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1999 Pittsburgh Pirates finished the MLB season with a 78–84 record, placing fourth in the National League Central Division. It was their 120th season and 115th in franchise history, playing home games at Three Rivers Stadium.

Key Facts

The 1999 Pittsburgh Pirates had a record of 78 wins and 84 losses.
They played their final season at Three Rivers Stadium, which closed after 30 years.
Manager Gene Lamont led the team for the fifth consecutive year.
Star outfielder Jason Kendall batted .300 with 42 stolen bases.
The Pirates ranked 25th in MLB in home runs with only 104 for the season.

Overview

The 1999 Pittsburgh Pirates marked the 120th season in franchise history and the 115th as a member of the National League. Competing in the National League Central Division, the team finished with a losing record of 78–84, placing fourth in the division and missing the postseason for the eighth consecutive year.

Despite modest improvements in some offensive categories, the Pirates struggled with consistency and depth, particularly in power hitting and starting pitching. The season was notable for being the final year at Three Rivers Stadium, a venue that had hosted Pirates games since 1970 and was set to be replaced by the new PNC Park in 2001.

Final record of 78–84: The team showed slight improvement over the previous year’s 75–87 mark but remained below .500 for the eighth straight season.
Managed by Gene Lamont: In his fifth full season, Lamont emphasized defense and base running, leading to a league-high 139 stolen bases.
Jason Kendall’s breakout year: The young catcher hit .300 with 42 stolen bases and 59 runs scored, establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone.
Three Rivers Stadium farewell: After 30 seasons, the stadium hosted its final Pirates game on September 28, 1999, in a 10–9 win over the Cubs.
Low power output: The team hit only 104 home runs, ranking 25th out of 30 MLB teams, reflecting a lack of offensive firepower.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 1999 season was defined by flashes of individual excellence overshadowed by team-wide inconsistency. While the Pirates showed flashes of competitiveness, especially in close games and on the base paths, they lacked the pitching depth and offensive production to contend in the NL Central.

Starting rotation struggles: The top three starters—Kevin Young, Francisco Córdova, and José Silva—combined for a 22–31 record with a 4.87 ERA.
Bullpen reliability: Closer Rich Loiselle saved 33 games but posted a 4.05 ERA, reflecting overall bullpen inconsistency.
Offensive spark from Aramis Ramírez: In his rookie season, Ramírez hit .254 with 12 home runs and 55 RBIs, showing long-term potential.
Low attendance figures: Average home attendance dropped to 18,579 per game, signaling fan disengagement during a prolonged losing streak.
Defensive strength: The team committed only 99 errors, among the lowest in the league, led by solid play from shortstop Jack Wilson.
Trade deadline moves: The Pirates acquired pitcher Chris Peters from the White Sox in July, though he contributed minimally in limited appearances.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1999 Pirates with the previous and following seasons reveals trends in performance, roster development, and ballpark transition:

Season	Record	Division Finish	Home Runs	Stolen Bases	Ballpark
1998	75–87	5th	117	118	Three Rivers
1999	78–84	4th	104	139	Three Rivers
2000	66–96	6th	100	114	Three Rivers (final 3 games)
2001	62–100	6th	111	117	PNC Park (opened)
1997	79–83	3rd	127	109	Three Rivers

The data shows that while the 1999 team improved its win total and division standing compared to 1998, offensive power declined. The increase in stolen bases highlighted a small-ball strategy, but the lack of home runs limited run production. The transition to a new ballpark loomed, and the 1999 season served as a symbolic end to an era.

Why It Matters

The 1999 Pittsburgh Pirates season is remembered not for playoff contention, but for its place in the franchise’s transitional timeline. It marked the end of an era at Three Rivers Stadium and foreshadowed both the team’s prolonged struggles and the eventual rebirth at PNC Park.

End of an era: The closure of Three Rivers Stadium concluded three decades of Pirates baseball history in a multi-purpose venue.
Foundation for future stars: Players like Jason Kendall and Aramis Ramírez became cornerstones for the early 2000s roster.
Small-ball philosophy: With 139 stolen bases, the team prioritized speed and contact over power, a strategy born of roster limitations.
Attendance decline: Falling fan interest reflected frustration with sustained losing, impacting revenue and morale.
Scouting and development focus: The lack of major trades emphasized internal development, shaping future draft strategies.
Historical context: The 1999 season exemplifies the challenges of rebuilding in a competitive division with limited payroll.

Ultimately, the 1999 Pittsburgh Pirates were a bridge between eras—struggling on the field but laying groundwork for future changes both in personnel and ballpark. Their season remains a footnote in MLB history, yet a meaningful chapter in Pittsburgh’s baseball legacy.