7 Baseball Players who Played for Reds 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 Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and 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 Reds and the Pirates.
Popular Choices
Guys in this tier are likely to be popular picks because of a combination of the impact they made on both teams and/or how recently they’ve played for both the Reds and Pirates.
Kevin Newman
Kevin Newman is in his 6th year in the league and is currently playing in the infield for the Cincinnati Reds.
Newman played his first five seasons with the Pirates and the combination of the length of time and how recently he’s been with both clubs will most likely make him a popular choice here.
*Newman was the most popular pick for this square in a previous grid (Grid 102).
Dave Parker
Dave Parker, who played from 1973 to 1991, is best known for his time as an outfielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds. However, he also made stops with the A’s, Angels, Blue Jays and Brewers.
Parker was a powerhouse at the plate, racking up over 2,700 hits, 339 home runs, and maintained a .290 career batting average. He was a seven-time All-Star (Pirates, Reds, Brewers) and won two National League batting titles. His crowning achievement was in 1978 when he won the National League MVP award with the Pirates.
Also recognized for his defensive skills, Parker won three Gold Gloves (Pirates). His combination of power, hitting ability, and fielding skills made him one of the standout players of his era.
*Parker was the most popular player for this square in a previous grid (Grid 143)
Bronson Arroyo
Bronson Arroyo had a 16-year career playing for several teams, most notably the Boston Red Sox and the Cincinnati Reds. Known for his high leg kick and a wide variety of pitches, Arroyo had a distinctive style on the mound that made him a fan favorite.
Arroyo played a pivotal role in the Boston Red Sox’s curse-breaking World Series win in 2004.
Following his stint in Boston, he became a staple of the Cincinnati Reds’ rotation, earning an All-Star nod in 2006. That year, he led the National League in innings pitched (240.2) and finished with a solid 3.29 ERA. In 2010, Arroyo won a Gold Glove with Cincinnati for his defensive efforts on the mound.
Rare Choices
Tony Womack
Tony Womack is known for his career as a second baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball from 1993 to 2006. Womack’s first stint was with the Pittsburgh Pirates where he played from 1993 to 1998, followed by time with the Diamondbacks, Rockies, Cubs, Cardinals, and Yankees.
Womack had a career batting average of .273 and accumulated 363 stolen bases, making him one of the most dangerous base runners during his time.
Perhaps his most significant contribution was in the 2001 World Series, where his 9th inning hit for the Diamondbacks in Game 7 led to the winning run against the Yankees.
Womack Key Stats
- All-Star (Pirates)
- 30+ Stolen Base Season (Pirates, Diamondbacks)
- .300+ Batting Avg Season (Cardinals)
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.
Denny Neagle
Denny Neagle was a notable left-handed pitcher who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1991 to 2003. He had stints with the Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Colorado Rockies.
Neagle’s career stats included a 124-92 win-loss record, a 4.24 ERA, and 1415 strikeouts in 1979.2 innings pitched. He shined in the 1997 season with the Braves, posting a 20-5 record and a 2.97 ERA, which earned him an All-Star nod and a third-place finish in the Cy Young voting.
Neagle Key Stats
- All-Star (Pirates, Braves)
- 20+ Win Season (Braves)
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.
