Pie Traynor

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Lore & Background

Traynor's nickname "Pie" came from his childhood in Somerville, Massachusetts, where he frequented a grocery store and often asked for pie. The store owner called him "Pie Face," later shortened to Pie by his friends. He began his professional career in 1920 as a shortstop for the Portsmouth Truckers of the Virginia League. A Boston Braves scout asked him to work out at Braves Field, but forgot to tell manager George Stallings, who ran Traynor off the field. He made his major league debut with the Pirates on September 15, 1920, at age 21. After spending most of 1921 with the Birmingham Barons, where he hit .336 but committed 64 errors as a shortstop, he became the Pirates' regular third baseman in 1922. Following advice from Rogers Hornsby, he used a heavier bat in 1923 and blossomed into one of the NL's best hitters, batting .338 with 12 home runs and 101 RBI. With tutoring from teammate Rabbit Maranville, his defense improved, leading NL third basemen in putouts and assists. In 1925, he hit .320 with six home runs and 106 RBI, leading the league in fielding percentage as the Pirates won the NL pennant by 8½ games. In the 1925 World Series, he hit .346 as the Pirates defeated the Washington Senators in seven games. His 41 double plays in 1925 set an NL record that stood for 24 years (1925 to 1949). The Pirates won the pennant again in 1927 with Traynor hitting .342, but lost to the Yankees in the World Series. He hit a career-high .366 in 1930. When MLB changed the baseball in 1931, his average dropped to .298, but he supported the change, saying the 1930 ball gave hitters too much advantage. He was selected as a reserve for the first All-Star Game in 1933 and started at third base in 1934. During the 1934 season, his throwing arm was injured in a play at home plate, and his defense suffered. He became the Pirates' player-manager that June. After playing only 55 games in 1935, he was a full-time manager in 1936. He played his final game on August 14, 1937, scoring the game-winning run as a pinch runner in the ninth inning.

In Their Own Story

The lights at Forbes Field hummed low over the infield dirt. Traynor adjusted his cap, eyes locked on the pitcher's mound. A line drive screamed toward the hot corner. He dove, glove snapping shut with a practiced thud, and rose instantly to fire home. The crowd roared as the runner slid safe, but the defense held firm.

Reader's Guide

The 1920s marked a renaissance for Pittsburgh baseball following the retirement of Honus Wagner. Pie Traynor emerged as the defensive anchor at third base, providing stability during a transitional period. His consistency allowed the lineup to flourish around him, culminating in the pivotal 1925 World Series victory against Washington. Throughout the early thirties, Traynor remained a vital leader despite physical wear. He transitioned from player to manager after his playing days ended, continuing his stewardship of the franchise. This era defined loyalty in an age of frequent trades. The Pirates relied on homegrown talent like Traynor to maintain relevance against rivals like the Cardinals and Cubs. His tenure bridged the gap between the old guard and modern baseball strategy. Fans remember this decade for its grit and determination, embodied by the man they called Pie.

Did You Know?

• Traynor's nickname "Pie" came from a grocery store owner who called him "Pie Face" because he often asked for pie as a child in Somerville, Massachusetts.
• Traynor is one of several MLB players to steal home plate in a regular-season game, but not the only one.
• Traynor set a major league record for career double plays (303) at third base, which stood until 1945.
• His 2,289 putouts at third base rank second in National League history, behind Mike Schmidt (2,290).
• In 1969, as part of professional baseball's centennial, Traynor was named the third baseman on MLB's all-time team