OTHER BOOKS
WHERE WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SPORTS HISTORY LIVES
Pittsburgh Sports in the 1970s
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By David Finoli, Tom Rooney, Tim Rooney, Chris Fletcher & Frank Garland
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Sports in the Steel City has never reached the highs and lows that fans in Pittsburgh experienced in the 1970s.
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Most remembered may be the multiple championships celebrated in city during the era, including two World Series titles, four Super Bowl victories and a NCAA football championship. Despite those successes, fans still recall major tragedies such as the deaths of Bob Moose, Roberto Clemente and others.
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Local authors present essays on the triumphs, tragedies and championships that defined the 1970s for the city of Pittsburgh and Steel City sports.
The Pittsburgh Pirates Encyclopedia: Second Edition
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By David Finoli & Bill Ranier
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The second edition of the most complete book ever written on the Pittsburgh Pirates now updated through the 2014 season.
-A new Top 100 Pirate list
-A new chapter on the Pirate affiliates
-updated Bios and stats
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Where Pittsburgh Played: Oakland's Historic Sports Venues
By David Finoli, Tom Rooney, Robert Healy III, Douglas Cavanaugh, Chris Fletcher
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From Forbes Field to Pitt Stadium, Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood has been home to some of the most iconic moments in sports history. Including the Fitzgerald Field House and the Duquesne Gardens, Oakland has drawn in both professional and college sports fans alike.
Local authors and sports historians David Finoli, Tom Rooney, Robert Healy III, Douglas Cavanaugh and Chris Fletcher celebrate the glorious victories and heartbreaking losses throughout the history of Pittsburgh's Oakland section, the epicenter of Steel City Sports.
The 1976 National Champion Pitt Panthers: Miracle on Cardiac Hill
By David Finoli
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Ten years after a one-loss season and being ranked third in the nation, the University of Pittsburgh's historic football team had fallen on hard times. In 1973, the team hired former All-American Johnny Majors to right the ship, and he promptly recruited Tony Dorsett and Al Romano. Over the next four years, the new-look Panthers were brought back to prominence with stunning victories, culminating in the 1976 NCAA National Championship. Dorsett, a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, became the first college running back to eclipse two thousand yards in a season and was awarded the Heisman Trophy in the championship year. Author David Finoli tells the story of one of the most dramatic turnarounds in college football history.
For The Good of the Country
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By David Finoli
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David Finoli's first book tells the trials and tribulations of baseball during World War II, a time when most of the game's greats were off the diamonds and fighting for their country. The book details not only the game that was played between 1941 and 1945 but those major and minor league heroes in the battle fields of Europe and Japan.
Integrating Pittsburgh Sports
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By The Association of Gentleman Pittsburgh Journalists (David Finoli, Tom Rooney, Chris Fletcher, Bill Ranier, Rich Boyer, Robert Healy III, Josh Taylor, Gary Kinn, Douglas Cavanaugh & Samuel W Black)
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Steel City Sports as a Catalyst for Change Though Pittsburgh athletics had many of the same barriers to equality and racial discrimination as the rest of the nation for far too long, the city has celebrated some of the most important moments in the integration of sports in the country. Pittsburgh was the only city with two Negro League teams, fielding such future Hall of Famers as Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, Oscar Charleston and Satchel Paige. Local high school basketball stars Chuck Cooper, Bill Nunn, Jr., Dick Ricketts, Maurice Stokes, and Jack Twyman held integrated pick-up games at local parks such as Mellon Park in Shadyside in the 1950s. In college football, Connellsville native Jimmy Joe Robinson became the first African American player on Pitt's football team in 1945 as the school continued to integrate its squad ahead of federal desegregation. The Association of Gentleman Pittsburgh Journalists present the compelling, heartbreaking and courageous history of how Pittsburgh's integration of sport helped lead the nation.
Pittsburgh Sports Firsts
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By The Alliance of Esteemed Duquesne Scribes (David Finoli, Gary Kinn, Tom Rooney, Bill Ranier, Robert Healy III, Chris Fletcher, Josh Taylor, John Franko, Douglas Cavanaugh & Jim Lachimia)
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Countless groundbreaking moments in the nation's sports history were made on the gridirons, courts, fields, ice rinks and ballparks of Pittsburgh. Duquesne's Chuck Cooper was the first African American player drafted by the NBA. Beloved local radio station KDKA produced the first-ever broadcast of a Major League Baseball game. The Pittsburgh Stars were the first NFL champions in 1902. The first nighttime World Series game was played in the Steel City, and the only game seven World Series walk-off homerun happened there too. The city boasts compelling claims as the birthplace of pro hockey, pro football and college basketball. Some of the most preeminent authors and sports historians of Western Pennsylvania capture the vivid moments that make Pittsburgh a city of historic sports firsts.
The 50 Greatest Playuers in Pittsburgh Pirates History
By David Finoli
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have a vast and celebrated history dating back to 1887, winning five World Championships and nine National League pennants since their inception. Many baseball legends have called Pittsburgh home, including Hall of Famers Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Paul Waner, and Arky Vaughan. Although the Pirates have had their fair share of losing seasons, recent postseason appearances have brought life back into this storied franchise.
The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History celebrates the best to ever wear a Pirate uniform. David Finoli carefully and diligently ranks the Steel City icons based on statistics, awards, achievements, and postseason success. Each entry includes biographical information, accomplishments, and recaps of the player’s greatest moments. In addition to stories of glory on the field, Finoli also shares important events that took place away from the diamond, such as Roberto Clemente personally bringing supplies to earthquake-ravaged Nicaragua, a selfless act that led to his tragic death.
Two concluding chapters cover the ten Pirates who almost made the cut and the players who went on to greatness after leaving the Pittsburgh organization. More than 25 photographs throughout the book enhance the rankings of these Pittsburgh legends. Sure to inspire debate and controversy among Pirate fans old and new, The 50 Greatest Players in Pittsburgh Pirates History is an engaging look at the many players who have been a part of the franchise’s long and memorable history.
The Pittsburgh Pirates All-Time All-Stars
By David Finoli
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​Let’s say you’re the manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, deciding which players should start in Game 7 of the World Series against the American League champs. But instead of choosing from the current roster, you have every player in the team’s 131-year history in your clubhouse. Who’s your starting pitcher: lefty John Candelaria, steady Bert Blyleven, Cy Young winner Doug Drabek, or crafty Rip Sewell? Who bats cleanup—hitting-machine Honus Wagner, home-run champ Ralph Kiner, Willie “Pops” Stargell, or the hugely talented Barry Bonds? Combining career stats, common sense, and a host of intangibles, veteran sportswriter Dave Finoli imagines an embarrassment of riches and sets the all-time All-Star Pirates lineup for the ages.
Pirates by the Numbers
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By David Finoli
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When the National League decided on June 22, 1932, to place numbers on the backs of uniforms to make it easier for fans to follow their favorite players, no one knew at the time just what a landmark decision it would turn out to be. In fact, when the Pittsburgh Pirates donned numbered jerseys eight days later against the St. Louis Cardinals at Forbes Field, the uniform numbers were so unimportant on the team’s list of priorities that it was second billing to the main event of that day: the first Ladies Day in Pirates history.
The secondary event would turn out to be an iconic moment in baseball history, as players are now closely associated with their uniform numbers. For example, two Hall of Famers for the Pirates wore the number 21: Arky Vaughan and Roberto Clemente. Both ironically died young while trying to help others, and 21 has become the most sacred number in Steel City sports lore.
Pirates by the Numbers tells the tales of these players and more in a format that will include the greatest players to wear a specific number, the worst, and the most unique. The book highlights the first players to wear particular numbers and how they performed in their inaugural games, the first to hit home runs, and the first pitchers to win games. You’ll also find a list by year of every player and the numbers he’s worn that fans have used to identify him over the past eighty-four years.
The players of the Pittsburgh Pirates have worn eighty-one different numbers. This book tells each player’s stories in a unique and compelling way that every Pirates fan will love.
Three Rivers Stadium: A Confluence of Champions
By The Association of Gentleman Pittsburgh Journalists (David Finoli, Chris Fletcher, Tom Rooney, Frank Garland, Robert Healy III, Gary Kinn, Jim Lachimia, Lance Jones, John Franko & Bill Ranier)
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Erected on the city's Northside in 1970, Three Rivers Stadium was Pittsburgh's home of champions for three decades. It hosted the first-ever World Series game played at night as the Pirates would win their last two titles there. The Pitt-Penn State rivalry in college football was never more heated than under the bright lights of Three Rivers. The Steel Curtain era of the Steelers brought Super Bowl wins and elevated the stadium to become one of the most feared venues in all of professional sports. Locally referred to as the "House that Clemente Built," the stadium was the site of the beloved right fielder's 3,000th hit. Join local sportswriters as they recall the roaring crowds, rocking stands and greatest moments of Three Rivers Stadium.
Pittsburgh's Civic Arena: Stories From the Igloo
By The Association of Gentleman Pittsburgh Journalists (David Finoli, Chris Fletcher, Tom Rooney, Jack Mathison, Paul Alexander, John Wdowiak, Robert Healy III, Josh Taylor, John Franko, Gary Kinn, Lance Jones, Frank Garland, Rich Boyer & Douglas Cavanaugh)
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Lovingly nicknamed the Igloo, the Civic Arena was home to the Pittsburgh Penguins until 2010 and hosted some of the most important sports and entertainment events in Steel City history. During the glorious Mario Lemieux era, the venue hosted four Stanley Cup Finals, including three championship-winning seasons. Muhammad Ali KO'ed Charlie Powell in 1963 there. It was home to Duquesne Basketball in the arena's early days and has hosted some of the University of Pittsburgh's most important basketball games as well. Some of the biggest acts in music history have rocked the Igloo's seats, including Elvis, the Beatles and frequent favorite, Bruce Springsteen. Join local sports and media writers as they recall the greatest moments in Civic Arena's storied history.
The Pitsburgh Pirates' 1960 Season
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By David Finoli
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The Classic story of an underdog team that beat the odds to remarkably win the 196o World Series.
The Birthplace of Professional Football: Southwestern Pennsylvania
By Tom Aikens & David Finoli
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​The professional version of football has its roots firmly embedded in the area. In fact the first pro player stepped on the gridiron only a short walk from Acrisure Stadium. The book examines the great teams and players to take the field here in the late 1800s as well as Latrobe's failed bid to build the Professional Football Halll of Fame.
When Cobb Met Wagner: The Seven-Game World Series of 1909
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By David Finoli & Bill Ranier
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As the 20th century's first decade was coming to an end, the Pirates opened up their
magnificent new facility, Forbes Field, and christened it with their initial World Series championship. The 1909 series was true theater, good vs evil in Honus Wagner against Ty Cobb. It was also the first that went to a final and deciding game. Read about this thrilling series in this book.
Unlucky 21: The Saddest Stories & Games in Pittsburgh Sports History
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By The Association of Gentleman Pittsburgh Journalists (David Finoli, Chris Fletcher, Robert Healy III, Josh Taylor, Gary Kinn, Tom Rooney, John Franko, Ronald Waldo, Bill Ranier, Douglas Cavanaugh, Sam Reich, David Cicotello, Sean Gibson & Jim Lachimia)
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The number 21 may be lucky in cards, but it is very unlucky for Western Pennsylvania sports fans. Only the Pittsburgh Steelers allow a player to wear this sacred number, while to the rest of the region's franchises the number means heartbreak. The Penguins retired it after budding superstar Michel Briere died in 1971 following an automobile accident. Hall of Fame Pirate shortstop Arky Vaughan, who drowned in 1952 while trying to save a friend, also wore unlucky 21. The tragic story of Roberto Clemente is well known and caused the team to retire the cursed number. A diverse group of Pittsburgh writers and sports lovers present those stories and more in twenty-one tales of Western Pennsylvania sports sorrow.
Pittsburgh's Greatest Athletes
By David Finoli
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Greatness in sport is both undefinable and immediately recognizable. Though it is rare, Western Pennsylvania has been graced with a long history of athletes who embody the essence of greatness. They have proudly represented the region in sports such as boxing, golf and track; carried their collegiate teams to victory; and worn the black and gold of the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins. Pittsburghers still recall how Mario Lemieux glided effortlessly through an opposing defense before befuddling the goalie or Arnold Palmer's unique swing that made the everyday duffer feel like he was one of them. Fans debate whether Terry Bradshaw or Ben Roethlisberger is the better quarterback and what the legacy of Barry Bonds is, while keeping Roberto Clemente among their most cherished icons. Take a deep dive into all of that and more and re-discover the best of the best in Pittsburgh sports history.
Pittsburgh's Greatest Teams
By David Finoli
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There must be something special in the water to make Pittsburgh so particularly gifted with its sports teams. The most famous teams in the city's history would most likely be the 1970s Steelers, known as the Steel Curtain for obvious reasons, and the Penguins who raised the Stanley Cup five times. Names such as Lemieux, Crosby, Roethlisberger, Bradshaw, Clemente and Stargell are legends of American sport and members of Pittsburgh's most cherished franchises, but for every sports legend and multi-million dollar franchise, there are a dozen more talented players and long-past teams that have been forgotten to history; the Negro League's Crawford and Homestead Grays are too often overlooked in the city's sports history but were as talented as any team that has played there. Author Dave Finoli ranks the fifty greatest teams that won trophies, brought glory and lifted the hearts of Pittsburgh's devoted sports fans.
Forbes Field
By Tom Aikens & David Finoli
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Dreyfuss decided to call his palace - the first concrete and steel facility built in the National League - Forbes Field, after the British general John Forbes, a hero in the French and Indian War. Opened on June 20, 1909, Forbes Field was a hit from the onset; the venue hosted large crowds that came to watch the Pirates win in their first World Series against the Detroit Tigers that year. As the years went on, Forbes Field became synonymous with the greatest sports memories in the city's history. Patrons saw the trials and tribulations of the Steelers as well as some of the greatest collegiate football teams in the history of the game. The University of Pittsburgh won three collegiate football national championships, and Duquesne University and Carnegie Tech also fielded many winning teams while calling Forbes Field home. Alongside football, boxing was a constant event at the famed facility, hosting some of the most memorable pugilists this city has ever produced. Above all else, it was a baseball mecca. While the field is no longer in use, the wall remains intact, reminding Pittsburghers of the field's rich history.
The Pittsburgh Pirates
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By David Finoli
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have thrilled their fans for more than 120 years. Beginning as the Allegheny's, the Pirates boast 35 hall of famers, five world champions, nine National League pennants, and nine division titles. Treasured memories, from Honus Wagner's all-around excellence and Mazeroski's remarkable 1960 World Series blast to Roberto Clemente's grace on and off the field, are captured in this book.
Baseball in Altoona: From the Mountain City to the Curve
By David Finoli
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For 46 days in the spring of 1884, Altoona had the honor of having a major-league baseball team, the Mountain City. For the next 115 years, despite the fact that baseball flourished here in the form of the game that the men of the Pennsylvania Railroad played, professional baseball floundered as six teams came and six teams left. Finally, in 1999, Altoona proved it could support a professional team when the Curve came to town. Since then, an impressive 10 percent of the town's population has shown up at every game, showing the love the community has for the national pastime.