Longview Pirates

From BR Bullpen

Location: Longview, TX
League: Big State League 1953
Affiliation: Pittsburgh Pirates 1953
Ballpark:

The Longview Pirates were the last minor league team located in Longview, TX (through 2007). They only came about because a tornado forced the Waco Pirates to move. They finished 4th in the league, 9 games out, and were swept by Wichita Falls in 4 games in the playoffs. They drew 32,646 fans, 5th in the Big State League. They scored 752 runs, third-most in the circuit, while allowing 690, the 5th-most. Among the notable names were Fred Green (13-8, 3.24, 107 BB, 169 K in 203 IP), who led the league in strikeouts, and Dick Hall (.246/~.314/.384), then an outfielder and second baseman. Salon de la Fama member Oscar Rodriguez hit .322/~.379/.402 in 29 games. OF Jacques Monette (.314/~.388/.532, 20 HR, 108 R, 95 RBI) led the league with 14 triples and was the team's top hitter. Ramon Salgado (10-4, 1.71) was their top hurler.