Three Rivers Stadium in the Seventies

This multi-purpose ballpark was home to dynasties in two sports during the Me Decade.

by Rich Watson

Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Stadium was one of the so-called “cookie-cutter” stadiums of the sixties and seventies. Today these parks are remembered less fondly because of their similar design and their artificial turf. They remain a part of history, though, especially for Pittsburgh residents. 

Despite its look, 3RS’ first decade in existence was unforgettable. Legendary athletes from both baseball and football played there, who led their teams to winning seasons.

CONTINUE

When Andrew McCutchen Proposed to His Girlfriend on TV

The Pirate superstar asked his girlfriend to marry him the way many celebrities do—in front of an audience.

by Rich Watson

In recent years, Andrew McCutchen has become one of the game’s biggest stars, mostly as a Pirate. He’s at the tail end of his career now, but his achievements to date include being a five-time All-Star and a former National League MVP. He also competed on the international stage in the World Baseball Classic in 2017.

As a Pirate, he met and dated Maria Hanslovan, the woman who would become his wife in 2013. How he proposed to her, though, took her and his fans by surprise.

CONTINUE

When Hollywood Playboy Ralph Kiner Married Tennis Star Nancy Chaffee

The home run king was the darling of Hollywood, but it was a tennis player who turned his head.

by Rich Watson

During the 50s, Pirates slugger Ralph Kiner was often seen with celebrities. He was friends with team co-owner Bing Crosby, and his picture was taken with leading ladies from Hollywood he dated such as Elizabeth Taylor.

He would marry four times in his life, though. His first wife was tennis star Nancy Chaffee.

CONTINUE

The Charitable Work of Vera and Roberto Clemente

When the baseball humanitarian perished, his wife carried on in his name.

by Rich Watson

Roberto Clemente was not only a superstar player for the Pirates, but for Latin American fans in general. The Puerto Rican right fielder won a National League MVP award, four batting titles, twelve Gold Gloves and two World Series rings over an eighteen-year career.

In 1964, he met banker Vera Zabala in San Juan. It was love at first sight. He was eager to know her because he was dogged by a premonition that he would die young. He wished to start a family soon and do whatever his god required from him.

She wasn’t interested in him at first, but his persistence wore away at her defenses and they married in November. They would remain together only a short time, though, because his premonition turned out to be correct.

CONTINUE