2013 NL Central Championship

Lore & Background

For over two decades, the shadow of the 1992 championship loomed large over PNC Park's predecessor and its successors. The 2013 season was a narrative of redemption, where the 'Buccos' shed the label of perennial underachievers to become the heartbeat of the National League Central. The team's identity was forged in the fire of a tight race, characterized by the electric offense of Andrew McCutchen and the steady hand of a pitching staff that refused to yield. The atmosphere in Pittsburgh shifted palpably as September approached; the city, often defined by its industrial grit, found new life in the roar of fans cheering for a division crown. The victory was not just about winning games but about restoring faith in a franchise that had endured years of stagnation. It proved that the Pirates could compete with the dynasty-like St. Louis Cardinals and the rising Chicago Cubs on their own terms. Although the postseason run ended abruptly against the very team they dethroned for the division title, the 2013 championship remains a watershed moment. It set the stage for the subsequent playoff appearances of 2014 and 2015, establishing a foundation of hope that resonates with fans to this day as the true beginning of the modern Pirates resurgence.

In Their Own Story

The air inside PNC Park was thick with humidity and anticipation on that final stretch of September. The scoreboard flickered, counting down the seconds until the St. Louis Cardinals' fate was sealed elsewhere in the league, handing the division title to Pittsburgh. In the dugout, Andrew McCutchen wiped sweat from his brow, a rare smile breaking through the tension. Around him, the young core—Gregory Polanco, Neil Walker, and Jeff Locke—exchanged knowing glances. They had done it; the drought was over. As the crowd erupted into a chorus of 'We Are The Pirates,' the realization settled in: this wasn't just another win; it was the first step back to glory.

Reader's Guide

2013 NL Central Championship The Pirates secured their first division title since 1992 by finishing with a 94-68 record. This accomplishment ended a historic twenty-year playoff drought for the franchise, driven largely by the MVP-caliber season of Andrew McCutchen and strong pitching from Francisco Liriano. Context of Achievement The race was fierce against the St. Louis Cardinals, who had dominated the division in previous years. The Pirates clinched the title on September 28, 2013, following a combination of their own wins and losses by their rivals, cementing their status as NL Central kings. Legacy and Impact This championship served as the catalyst for three consecutive playoff appearances (2013-2015), revitalizing fan engagement and attendance in Pittsburgh. It marked the successful transition from a rebuilding phase to a competitive window defined by homegrown talent.

Did You Know?

• The 2013 title ended a 21-year wait for a division championship, the longest such drought in franchise history at that time.
• Andrew McCutchen became the first Pirate since 1976 to win the National League MVP award during this championship season.
• Francisco Liriano was named the NL Comeback Player of the Year after returning from Tommy John surgery to anchor the rotation.
• PNC Park saw a significant surge in attendance and energy, with fans creating a new culture of optimism known as 'The Bucco Bounce'.