GCL Tourists

From BR Bullpen

Location: Bradenton, FL
League: Gulf Coast League 1970
Affiliation: Pittsburgh Pirates 1970
Ballpark: None

The Pittsburgh Pirates fielded 2 teams in the 1970 Gulf Coast League. The GCL Tourists finshed 3 games ahead of the GCL Pirates. The team's name was derived from the fact that they had no home field, only serving as a road club. They outscored their opponents 268-264 and had three All-Stars - OF Ken Melvin (.308/~.357/.438, a league-leading 15 doubles), 3B Ovidio Polanco (.308/~.360/.374, 19 SB in 23 tries) and C Mark Kotowski (.192/~.288/.224). Two players from the team went on to long careers in the majors - OF Omar Moreno (.233/~.273/.315, 9 SB in 10 tries) and SS Mario Mendoza (.263/~.317/.317).

Source: 1971 Baseball Guide