Former Pirates player and longtime coach in the MLB, Gene Clines has died. He was 75.
Drafted by Pittsburgh in the 6th round of the 1966 draft, Clines debuted for the Pirates in 1970.
He was a member of the 1971 World Series Championship team and was played center field along with eight other teammates of color at Three Rivers Stadium on September 1, 1971. It was the first time in MLB history that happened. The Pirates won that game against the Philadelphia Phillies 10-7.
Clines played half of his 10-year career in Pittsburgh before spending one season with the Mets, another with the Rangers and his last three with the Cubs.
During his five years in Pittsburgh, Clines batted .287 with 345 hits, 45 doubles, 14 triples and two home runs with 81 RBI. He also stole 51 bases.
The Pirates released the follow statement following Clines’ death:
“Gene was a speedy outfielder who was a key member of our 1971 World Series team,” said Pirates President Travis Williams. “He made a tremendous impact on the game, not only as a player after his career with the Pirates, but also as a long-time coach in the big leagues.
“It was an honor to have Gene back in Pittsburgh this past September to recognize him and his teammates from our 1971 World Series Championship team who took the field as part of Major League Baseball’s first all-minority lineup,” added Williams. “It was a joy to talk to him about his deep passion for baseball, his love for his teammates and his appreciation for the city of Pittsburgh. Our hearts go out to his wife Joanne, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”
After his playing days, Clines also spent over 20 years coaching.
He was first base coach for the Cubs, was a minor league hitting instructor for the Astros and later joined the Major League Club. He was also the hitting and outfield coach for the Giants between 1995-2002.
He then went back to the Cubs in 2003 as the first base coach and later was named the hitting coach. He also spent time in the Dodgers organization in various roles.