Baseball Players who Played for Pittsburgh and Cleveland
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 Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Guardians.
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 Pirates and Guardians.
Popular Choices
Players in this tier are likely to be popular because of the impact they made on both clubs or how recently they played with each team (and often both).
Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana is in his 14th year in the majors with 10 of those years spent with Cleveland. In addition to Cleveland, he’s played with the Royals, Pirates, Mariners and Phillies.
Santana has been a solid everyday starter since entering the league, racking up over 1600 hits and 287 home runs and an All-Star appearance in 2019 (Guardians).
Considering his time with Cleveland and how recently he played with the Pirates (2023) it’s easy to see why he would be at the forefront of many fans’ minds.
Kenny Lofton
Kenny Lofton, known for his speed and prowess in the outfield started his professional career in 1991 with the Houston Astros. His breakout season came only one year later with the Indians when he led the American League with 66 stolen bases.
Lofton was an integral part of the Cleveland Indians’ success in the 1990s. His speed and base-stealing abilities at the top of the lineup, combined with his exceptional defense in center field, made him a cornerstone of the team that won six division titles from 1995 to 2001.
Over his 17-year career, Lofton played for several teams (11 in total), including the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, and San Francisco Giants. He had a career batting average of .299, scored over 1,500 runs, and stole over 600 bases. Lofton’s stellar career also includes four Gold Glove awards and six All-Star selections.
Lofton Key Stats
- All-Star (Indians, Braves)
- Gold Glove (Indians)
- 30+ Stolen Base Season (Indians, Dodgers)
- 200+ Hit Season (Indians)
- .300 Average Season (Indians, Braves, Cubs, Phillies, Dodgers, Rangers)
Rare Choices
Rare Choices are often players who are well-remembered in one uniform but not necessarily both.
Rich Hill
Rich Hill is an Immaculate Grid beast. The left-handed pitcher has played for 13 different clubs over his incredible 19-year career – one that is still ongoing as I’m writing this (he’s currently pitching with the Padres).
Hill’s MLB journey began when he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2002. After making his major league debut in 2005, he had initial success with the Cubs, particularly in 2007 when he had a standout season. However, injuries, inconsistency, and command issues led to him bouncing around the minors and various MLB teams for several years.
After refining his pitching approach and mechanics, he experienced a career resurgence starting in 2015. At an age when many players see diminished returns, Hill became one of the most effective starters in baseball. This late-career renaissance led to stints with the Red Sox, Athletics, Dodgers, Twins, and Rays.
Jay Bell
Jay Bell, who played from 1986 to 2003, spent most of his career as a shortstop with the Pirates and Diamondbacks. Bell was a solid all-around player, accumulating over 1,900 hits, 195 home runs, and 860 RBIs in his career.
Bell made All-Star games with both the Pirates and Diamondbacks (1 each). He was also a part of the Diamondbacks’ World Series championship team in 2001.
Bell was known for his dependable glove, winning a Gold Glove in 1993, and his consistency at the plate made him a valuable contributor in Major League lineups for nearly two decades.
