5 Baseball Players who Played for Giants and Pirates
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the San Francisco Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played on both the Giants and Pirates.
Al Oliver
Al Oliver, an outstanding outfielder and first baseman, was a dominant force in Major League Baseball from 1968 to 1985. He played for several teams but is best remembered for his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Oliver collected more than 2700 hits in his career, with a remarkable .303 lifetime batting average. He was a seven-time All-Star (Pirates, Rangers, Expos), won three Silver Slugger awards (Rangers, Expos), and helped the Pirates capture the World Series title in 1971.
Despite his impressive stats, Oliver is often overlooked in discussions of the greatest hitters of his era, but his consistent excellence at the plate secured his legacy in the sport.
Andrew McCutchen
Andrew McCutchen is widely recognized for his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he established himself as one of the league’s premier players. Making his MLB debut in 2009 with the Pirates, McCutchen quickly became the face of the franchise and was known for his blend of power, speed, and defensive prowess in center field.
During his tenure in Pittsburgh, he amassed several accolades, including being named an All-Star five times and winning the National League MVP award in 2013. His leadership and on-field excellence were pivotal in leading the Pirates to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2013 to 2015, breaking a long postseason drought for the team.
After Pittsburgh, McCutchen went on to play for teams like the Giants, Yankees, Phillies and Brewers. Throughout his career, McCutchen’s energetic play, charismatic personality, and community involvement have endeared him to fans and peers alike.
McCutchen Key Stats
- MVP (Pirates)
- Gold Glove (Pirates)
- Silver Slugger (Pirates)
- .300 Batting Average Season (Pirates)
Benito Santiago
As a young catcher growing up, I remember seeing Benito Santiago throwing players out from his knees and thought it was the coolest thing ever and something I remember imitating in Little League games.
But, that’s not what matters here. What matters is that 5 time All-Star Benito Santiago played for 9 different teams throughout this 20 year career which makes him an absolute force on the Immaculate Grid.
Santiago played for Padres, Giants, Reds, (Florida) Marlins, Blue Jays, Royals, Pirates, Phillies and Cubs.
John Vander Wal
John Vander Wal, a journeyman outfielder and first baseman, played in the Major Leagues from 1991 to 2004 for eight different teams, most notably the Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies.
Vander Wal was renowned for his pinch-hitting skills, setting a single-season record with 28 pinch-hits for the Rockies in 1995. Over his career, he accumulated over 700 hits, 97 home runs, and a career batting average of .261.
Although he never reached superstar status, Vander Wal’s ability to consistently deliver hits off the bench made him a valuable asset for many teams throughout his career.
Jason Schmidt
Jason Schmidt had an impressive career in Major League Baseball, pitching for various teams like the Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1995 until 2009.
Over the course of his career, Schmidt compiled a 130-96 record with a 3.96 ERA and a total of 1758 strikeouts.
Schmidt was a three-time All-Star (Giants) and finished runner-up in the NL Cy Young Award race in 2003, a season where he posted a 17-5 record with a 2.34 ERA and 208 strikeouts. He also threw a no-hitter on July 18, 2002, for the Pirates against the San Diego Padres.
