Bill Virdon
Gold Glove center fielder and two-time Sporting News Manager of the Year.
Bill Virdon was an American professional baseball outfielder, manager, and coach in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 through 1965 and in 1968. He managed the Pirates, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Montreal Expos.
Quick Facts
- Character
- Hall of Fame-caliber player and manager for the Pittsburgh Pirates
- Affiliation
- Confirmed: Played for Pittsburgh Pirates (1956–1965); Managed Pittsburgh Pirates (1972–1973)
- Status
- Recorded as a player
- manager
- and coach in Pirates history
Lore & Background
Virdon won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1955. He was a premier defensive center fielder and won a Gold Glove Award in 1962. He helped lead the Pirates to the 1960 World Series championship. He won The Sporting News Manager of the Year Award in 1974 and 1980.
Reader's Guide
Virdon managed the Pirates in 1972 and 1973, the Yankees in 1974 and part of 1975, the Astros through 1982, and the Expos in 1983 and 1984. He later returned to the Pirates as a coach and guest instructor.
Did You Know?
- Virdon hit .404 (21-for-52) against Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax, the highest average of any batter facing him.
- He was nicknamed 'Quail' by Pirates announcer Bob Prince due to his soft-hit infield hits.
- Virdon led the National League in triples with 10 in 1962.
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