What Is 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team

Overview

The 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates marked a historic turning point for the franchise, breaking a two-decade drought without a winning season. Their 94-68 record was the best in Major League Baseball since 1991 and signaled a long-awaited resurgence in Pittsburgh baseball.

Under manager Clint Hurdle, the team captured national attention with a resilient, defense-first approach and a passionate fanbase returning to PNC Park. The season culminated in a National League Wild Card berth, their first postseason appearance since 1992.

• 94 wins were the most by the Pirates since 1979, surpassing their total from the previous five seasons combined.
• The team ended a 20-year losing streak, the longest in North American professional sports history at the time.
• They drew over 2.4 million fans at PNC Park, the highest attendance since 2004.
• Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen won the NL MVP award, batting .317 with 21 home runs and 84 RBIs.
• The bullpen posted a 2.66 ERA after the All-Star break, the best in the National League.

How It Works

The success of the 2013 Pirates stemmed from a combination of strong pitching, timely hitting, and exceptional defense, all orchestrated under a renewed team culture.

• Starting Rotation Stability: The Pirates' starters averaged 6.1 innings per game, led by Francisco Liriano’s 2.86 ERA over 186 innings. This consistency kept games within reach.
• Bullpen Dominance: Mark Melancon and Jason Grilli formed one of baseball’s best closer setups, combining for 44 saves and a sub-2.50 ERA through August.
• Andrew McCutchen’s MVP Season: McCutchen led the NL in Wins Above Replacement (6.9) and was the catalyst in the lineup, scoring 102 runs.
• Defensive Excellence: The team ranked second in the NL in defensive runs saved (52), with standout play from center fielder McCutchen and first baseman Garrett Jones.
• Clint Hurdle’s Leadership: Hurdle won NL Manager of the Year, transforming team morale and fostering a resilient, team-first identity after years of losing.
• Postseason Redemption: Winning the Wild Card Game 6-2 over the Reds in front of 40,487 fans was a cathartic moment for the franchise and city.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Pirates compared to recent playoff teams and their own past struggles:

The table highlights the Pirates’ dramatic improvement from 2012 and their competitive standing among elite NL teams. While they fell short of a World Series, their run proved sustainable success was possible after years of futility.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season redefined the Pittsburgh Pirates’ trajectory and restored hope to a loyal fanbase long accustomed to disappointment. It demonstrated that small-market teams could rebuild through player development and culture change.

• The season revitalized PNC Park attendance, with average crowds increasing by over 25% compared to 2012.
• Andrew McCutchen became the first Pirates player to win MVP since 1979 (Willie Stargell).
• The team’s success influenced future investments in the Pirates’ minor league system and international scouting.
• It proved that ending a long losing streak was possible without a massive payroll—Pittsburgh’s $80M payroll was mid-tier.
• The playoff appearance triggered a local economic boost, with increased spending at stadiums and local businesses.
• It set the stage for two more postseason appearances in 2014 and 2015, establishing a new era of competitiveness.

The 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates were more than a baseball team—they were a symbol of perseverance and renewal, marking the end of a dark chapter and the beginning of a brighter future.