Synopsis
When the Bucs Won It All: The 1979 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates by Bill Ranier and David Finoli is a vivid and engaging chronicle of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ triumphant 1979 season, a year that saw the team overcome adversity to claim their fifth World Series title. The book captures the essence of a team that, under the leadership of manager Chuck Tanner and the inspirational presence of Willie “Pops” Stargell, embodied resilience and camaraderie, adopting the Sister Sledge song “We Are Family” as their anthem. Set against the backdrop of a decade marked by both success and tragedy for the Pirates—including the devastating losses of Roberto Clemente in a 1972 plane crash and pitcher Bob Moose in a 1976 car accident—the narrative traces the team’s journey from a strong but underestimated squad to World Series champions. Ranier, a clinical social worker and SABR member, and Finoli, a noted Pittsburgh sports historian, combine detailed historical analysis with personal anecdotes to celebrate the Pirates’ remarkable achievement, while also reflecting on the team’s construction, key moments, and eventual decline.
The book opens by contextualizing the Pirates’ place in the 1970s, a decade in which they won five National League East division titles and the 1971 World Series but faced challenges that diminished their status as favorites by 1979. A thrilling 1978 season, where the Pirates nearly overtook the Philadelphia Phillies, reignited hope among Pittsburgh fans, setting the stage for 1979. The authors detail how the team was built through strategic trades, notably acquiring shortstop Tim Foli from the New York Mets and two-time batting champion Bill Madlock from the San Francisco Giants, moves that bolstered the infield and lineup. The narrative highlights the team’s slow start, their mid-season surge, and a pivotal moment on August 25, 1979, when fan belief in a championship solidified. Ranier and Finoli avoid a exhaustive game-by-game recounting, instead focusing on memorable highlights, such as the Pirates’ dramatic sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Championship Series, a team that had historically been their nemesis.
The heart of the book lies in its recounting of the 1979 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles, a rematch of the 1971 series. Down 3-1 after two tough losses at Three Rivers Stadium, the Pirates faced daunting odds. The authors vividly describe how the team, fueled by Stargell’s leadership and clutch performances, mounted a historic comeback. Key moments include Jim Rooker’s gritty pitching in Game 5, John Candelaria’s shutout in Game 6, and Stargell’s pivotal home run in Game 7, which secured a 4-1 victory and the championship on October 17, 1979. The book emphasizes the team’s collective spirit, with standout contributions from players like Dave Parker, who hit .310 with 25 home runs, Omar Moreno, who led the league with 77 stolen bases, and relief ace Kent Tekulve, who set a record with three saves in the Series. Stargell’s exceptional performance earned him MVP honors for the All-Star Game, NLCS, World Series, and a shared National League MVP award.
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to biographical sketches of every player on the 1979 roster, as well as manager Chuck Tanner and his coaching staff. These profiles provide rich details about each individual’s career before, during, and after the 1979 season, offering insights into their contributions and personal stories. For instance, the authors explore Bert Blyleven’s and Dave Parker’s Hall of Fame candidacies and delve into the mysterious disappearance of reliever Enrique Romo after 1982, rumored to be linked to a mob-related incident. These sketches add depth to the “Family” narrative, portraying a diverse and tightly knit group whose chemistry was a cornerstone of their success. The book also includes a comprehensive statistical section, providing a valuable reference for fans and researchers.
The final chapters reflect on the Pirates’ post-1979 decline, noting that the 1979 World Series remains their last championship and playoff series victory to date. The authors discuss how the team’s cohesion and success were fleeting, with challenges like the Pittsburgh drug trials in the 1980s and subsequent losing seasons contributing to a prolonged drought. Written in an accessible and nostalgic tone, When the Bucs Won It All serves as a love letter to Pittsburgh sports fans, particularly those who endured the team’s struggles in later decades. Ranier and Finoli’s work is praised for its balance of historical rigor and storytelling, making it a compelling read for Pirates fans and baseball enthusiasts eager to relive the magic of the 1979 “Fam-a-lee.”