Blog Bat Around: Pirates Autograph Edition

There was recently a blog bat around started to show off autograph cards you have in your collection at each of the primary positions, a DH/utility player, starting pitchers, relief pitchers, and a closer.

For this edition I am only going to show off my cards of players who have played for Pittsburgh.  Therefore I won't be showing off too many recent Hall of Famers like Glavine, Ripken, Griffey, Piazza, and Biggio who I have autographs of.

Let's get this thing started.

Batting leadoff for my team and playing in Left Field
Hall of Famer Fred Clarke

Clarke was the player manager for the 1909 Pittsburgh Pirates.  He finished his 20+ year career with a .312 batting average and averaged less than 30 strikeouts a season (Stanton already has more in this very young season).  With 509 career stolen bases he could also tear up the base paths.

Batting in the two hole and playing Center Field
5 time All Star and 2013 NL MVP, Andrew McCutchen
Plenty of him has been written about on Collecting Cutch

Well, Dave Parker said it's just him and the boys boppin and that is who is getting things started to drive in runs in the 3 spot and right fielder.

The single most dominating stretch of home run dominamce was held by Ralph Kiner in the late 40s.  He will be the team's designated hitter and batting cleanup.

As if Kiner needed additional protection, we have the team's 1B and leader of the clubhouse fam a lee,
Hall of Famer, Willie Stargell

Because I lack a Pie Traynor autograph, I had to go with a 3B that is going to provide Pops with some protection as this mult time All Star is a switch hitter.
Batting 6th, 3B Bobby Bonilla (honorable mentions Pedro Alvarez and Jose Bautista)

To get the line moving again and playing catcher is one of the greatest hitting catchers to ever play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jason Kendall

One of the most under rated shortstops of the 90s and a natural at both bunting and hitting for some pop, Jay Bell.

And to wrap the lineup back around, the hero of the 1960 World Series, Hall of Famer, Bill Mazeroski.

With a lineup like that, there won't be much need for lights out pitching, but I got a pair of recent arms to go with a pair of former NL Cy Young winners and Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven.

The bullpen won't need much else with rubberband arms Elroy Face and Kent Tekulve willing to take the mound every day, but two other former closers Joel Hanrahan and Goose Gossage will be there to nail things down.  The longman in the bullpen will be former 1979 champ John Candaleria.

My bench would have Barry Bonds, Jack Wilson, Tony Pena, Freddy Sanchez, and Brian Giles.

The list of autographs I would love to add to my collection include
Roberto Clemente
Honus Wagner
Pie Traynor
Paul Waner
Arky Vaughan
Vic Willis