1970 NL East Championship
First NL East title won in a season that began at Forbes Field and moved to Three Rivers Stadium under Danny Murtaugh.
The 1970 National League East Championship stands as a defining milestone in Pittsburgh Pirates history, marking the franchise's first division title following Major League Baseball's expansion restructuring that year. This season was unique not only for the new league format but also because it featured the team's midseason move to Three Rivers Stadium, where they played their first game on July 16, 1970, after starting the season at Forbes Field. Under the guidance of manager Danny Murtaugh, the Pirates assembled a resilient roster anchored by Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente and rising star Willie Stargell. While they successfully navigated the new divisional standings to claim the top spot in the NL East, their postseason run ultimately concluded against the surging Cincinnati Reds in the National League Championship Series, which the Reds swept in three games.
Quick Facts
- Year
- 1970
- League division
- National League East
- Manager
- Danny Murtaugh
- Home stadium
- Three Rivers Stadium
- Postseason result
- NLCS Loss to Cincinnati Reds
- Key player
- Roberto Clemente
Lore & Background
The 1970 season symbolized a physical and structural transition for the Pirates organization. For decades, Forbes Field had been the spiritual home of Pittsburgh baseball, but economic realities necessitated a move to the modern concrete structure of Three Rivers Stadium, which began midseason on July 16. This championship validated that transition, proving the team could succeed in a new environment while maintaining its competitive identity within the Steel City.
Roberto Clemente remained the heartbeat of the club during this era. Although he did not capture the NL MVP award in 1970, finishing second to Willie Mays, his leadership and consistent offensive production were instrumental in securing the division crown. The team's success highlighted a deep roster depth that included power hitters like Stargell and reliable pitching from Steve Blass. However, the era was also defined by the emergence of rival powers.
The Cincinnati Reds, often referred to as the Big Red Machine in the years following, defeated Pittsburgh in the NLCS in a three-game sweep. This loss underscored the competitive balance of the National League during this period, where division winners faced stiff challenges from other powerhouse franchises.
Reader's Guide
1970 NL East Championship The Pirates secured their first-ever division title following MLB's expansion into two divisions per league. This accomplishment was significant as it marked the inaugural season at Three Rivers Stadium, replacing the historic Forbes Field. Managed by Danny Murtaugh, the team relied heavily on the offensive production of Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell to secure the top spot in the standings. Although they clinched the division, their postseason run ended in the National League Championship Series against the Cincinnati Reds.
The Pirates fell short in a best-of-five series, allowing the Reds to advance toward the World Series title. This championship remains a notable chapter in the franchise's transition period during the early 1970s. It highlighted the team's resilience while adapting to new ballpark dimensions and league structures. The division title validated the core group of veterans who had sustained the franchise through previous decades. Fans celebrated the return of winning ways despite the ultimate playoff disappointment.
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