Pittsburgh Sports...By The Numbers (1-10)

 Who was the greatest player in Pittsburgh sports history to wear each jersey number?  That's a question that I will plan to answer throughout these next few weeks.  The list primarily includes players from the Pirates, Penguins, Steelers, Pitt Football, and Pitt Basketball with a few surprises along the way. So, who is was the greatest to wear #1?   Let's begin.......

#1- Larry Fitzgerald (Pitt WR, 2002-03)

The runner-up for the 2003 Heisman Trophy was the greatest WR in the Pitt's rich football history.  Fitz only spent two season with the Panthers, but that did not stop him from amassing 2,677 yards and 34 touchdowns in 26 games.  By those numbers, Fitz averaged 103 yards receiving per game.  He also holds the NCAA record for 18 consecutive straight games with a touchdown catch.  He could come down with any jump ball, at anytime, during any game.  

#2- Jack Wilson (Pirates SS, 2001-09)

Jack was one of the few bright spots in the darkest period of Pirates history (which is still ongoing).  He was a smooth operator at shortstop and its a crime this man never won a Gold Glove award. His best season occurred in 2004 where he earned his only All-Star selection and batted over .300 for the year.  

#3- Phil Garner (Pirates Infielder, 1977-1981)

Phil Garner played a pivotal role in the "We Are Family" Pirates run in 1979.  He batted .417 in the NLCS and over .500 in the World Series completing a magnificent postseason.  

#4- Ralph Kiner (Pirates LF, 1946-1953)

Kiner won the Home Run title for 6 straight years during his tenure here in Pittsburgh.  Constantly pounding home runs over the short porch in right field at Forbes Field, the organization named that right field wall "Kiner's Korner."  The 6-time All-Star never tasted post season success, but his power was magical.

#5- Bill Madlock (Pirates 3B, 1979-1985)

"Mad Dog," as he was known during his playing days, was a pure hitter winning 4 NL Batting Titles, 2 of which came with the Pirates.  He batted .328 during the 1979 season and .375 during the World Series.  

#6- Smoky Burgess (Pirates C, 1959-1964)

A 4 time All-Star with the Pirates, Burgess was the anchor behind the plate.  He was apart of the 1960 World Series and batted .333 in that series against those vaunted Yankees.  

#7- Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers QB, 2004-Present)

Roethlisberger is my favorite player in NFL history.  The definition of a play-maker, Ben is at his best when extending the play.  He has won 2 Super Bowls in his short career and earned the reputation as one of the leagues most clutch performers.  He led the Steelers 88 yards with under 3 minutes remaining in Super Bowl XLIII capping the greatest drive in Super Bowl history with his throw to Santonio Holmes in the corner of the end zone.  He will always be under appreciated as a passer, but no one will ever doubt his skills as a football player. 

#8- Willie Stargell (Pirates LF, 1B, 1962-1982)

Stargell is considered the second greatest Pirate of all-time behind a man who you will see later on this list. He had extraordinary power for a man his size and was known for his tape measure home runs.  Only 4 home runs were ever hit out of Dodger Stadium and Stargell has 2 of them.  This guy warmed up with a sledgehammer and it showed with him hitting 475 home runs. If he hadn't played in Forbes Field for the bulk of his career, he could have hit 200 more.  "Pops" was the captain of the 1979 World Series team and was revered by his teammates.  A world class talent and a world class person, Willie Stargell.

#9- Bill Mazeroski (Pirates 2B, 1956-1972)  

"There's a drive into deep left field, look out now… that ball is going, going gone! And the World Series is over! Mazeroski… hits it over the left field fence, and the Pirates win it 10-9 and win the World Series!" Mel Allen of NBC was responsible for those words after Maz won the Buccos the World Series with the only walk off home run in Game 7 history.  Maz was also a 10 time All-Star and 8 time Gold-Glover, but he will always be remembered for the greatest home run in MLB history.

#10- Ron Francis (Penguins C, 1991-98)

After being apart of one of the most lopsided trades in NHL history, Francis was an integral part of both Penguins Stanley Cup championships in the early 90's.  Francis never had flash, but he was extremely patient and had tremendous vision. Francis spent seven seasons with the Pens, captaining the team twice, and becoming the first Penguin to win the Selke (Best Defensive Forward) in 1995.  He is currently 4th in points and 2nd in assists in NHL history.