From 1891 onwards, they stuck to the name - the Pirates.

In 1887, the Pittsburgh Alleghenies transferred to the National Division, and started to play in the Eastern Division. After the re-organization of the Divisions, the Pirates started playing in the Central Division of the National League from 1994 onwards.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Pittsburgh Pirates were a dominating force, and dominated the National League from 1901 to 1903, winning the National League Pennants three years in a row. They were pitted against the Boston Red Sox – then known as the Boston Americans – in the very first World Series in 1903, but lost five games to three.

The Pirates, however, continued to be a strong team and won their first World Series in 1909, defeating the Detroit Tigers in seven games.

The Major League Titles

The Pittsburgh Pirates have won nine Eastern Division titles, but have not yet won any Division title after the move to the Central Division. They have won nine National League Pennants, and have five World Series titles to their name.

They won the second World Series title in 1925, beating the Washington Senators in seven games.

Their third World Series win was in 1960, when they beat the New York Yankees in seven games.

They notched up their fourth World Series win in 1971, besting the Baltimore Orioles in seven games, and then their fifth World Series title was again against the Baltimore Orioles, which they won in 1979, coming back from a three game deficit to win in seven games.

The Honors

The Pirates have 37 players/managers, and an announcer inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. They have honored eight of their players by retiring their jersey numbers:

#1, Billy Meyer – Manager from 1948 to 1952.
#4, Ralph Kiner – Played from 1946 to 1953.
#8, Willie Stargell – Played from 1962 to 1982, and coached in 1985.
#9, Bill Mazeroski – Played from 1956 to 1972, and coached in 1973.
#20, Pie Traynor – Played from 1920 to 1934 and coached from 1934 to 1939.
#21, Roberto Clemente – Played from 1955 to 1972.
#33, Honus Wagner – Played from 1900 to 1917. Managed in 1917, and coached from 1933 to 1951.
#40, Danny Murtaugh – Played from 1948 to 1951, coached from 1956 to 1957, and managed from 1957 to 1964, in 1967, from 1970 to 1973, and from 1973 to 1976.