Former Pirates World Series Player Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — Former Pirates outfielder Gene Clines, a component of the team's 1971 World Series-winning team, has died. The team announced his death on Thursday.

Clines was 75. He had appeared at PNC Park last season as the Pirates marked the 50th anniversary of the team's thrilling World Series win over the Baltimore Orioles in seven games.

Clines spent five years with the Pirates beginning in 1970. He played center field and batted second when the team made history on Sept. 1 by fielding the first all-minority starting lineup in Major League Baseball history.

Clines also played for the Mets, Rangers and Cubs before becoming a coach for several major league clubs.

“Gene was a speedy outfielder who was a key member of our 1971 World Series team,” Pirates president Travis Williams said in a statement. “He made a tremendous impact on the game, not only as a player after his career with the Pirates, but also as a longtime coach in the big leagues.

“It was an honor to have Gene back in Pittsburgh this past September to recognize him and his teammates from our 1971 World Series Championship team who took the field as part of Major League Baseball’s first all-minority lineup. It was a joy to talk to him about his deep passion for baseball, his love for his teammates and his appreciation for the city of Pittsburgh. "

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