PITTSBURGH (93.7 the Fan) Does former Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh have a possibility of being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?
In recent days, some of his former players have spoken and pushed for his name to be considered.
With many baseball writers sharing their picks for the 2022 Hall of Fame class, the discussion of who should be enshrined via the Veterans Committee.
Murtaugh’s name should be in the realm of consideration for his accomplishments as Pirates manager for parts of 15 seasons.
From 1957 through 1976, Murtaugh became the Pirates winningest manager since the dead ball era with 1,115 wins.
That number still holds as second all-time in Pirates’ victories behind only Hall of Famer Fred Clarke who managed from 1900 to 1915.
Murtaugh’s win percentage stands at .540, higher than 11 managers who have already had their plaques hung in Cooperstown.
Not just a regular season winner, Muratugh and his Pirates found themselves on the mountaintop multiple times.
Murtaugh was the Pirates manager for two World Series victories; In 1960 and 1971, both of which they were heavy underdogs.
Two isn’t a massive number, but being a World Series champion twice is more than nine other Hall of Fame managers.
Murtaugh and the Pirates made history in 1971 by fielding the first ever all-minority starting lineup.
The Pirates trotted out a starting nine of Rennie Stennett, Gene Clines, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Manny Sanguillen, Dave Cash, Al Oliver, Jackie Hernandez, and Doc Ellis.
All drawn up by Murtaugh.
Multiple former players of his, including Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski who was inducted by a Veterans Committee vote, have spoken up about inducting their former bench boss.
Some of the players from that famed Sept. 1, 1971 lineup have also stated their thoughts; Cash, Sanguillen, Oliver, and the son of Clemente, Roberto Jr.
Murtaugh passed away on Dec. 2, 1976 at the age of 59.
The Pirates retired Murtaugh's No. 40 on Opening Day of 1977.
The Veterans Committee makes their vote on Sunday Dec. 5.
It’s Muratugh’s turn for the Hall of Fame.