6-7-25 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on X
The Pirates announced their 2025 inductee class for the Hall of Honor and all three are deserving and each contributed to a World Series title in the black and gold.
Al Oliver in 1971, Vern Law in 1960 and Kiki Cuyler in the oft overlooked championship in 1925.
Of the three, only Kiki is in Cooperstown currently.
Kiki Cuyler
Pirates Stats: .336 AVG | .912 OPS | 38 HR | 130 SB | 115 2B | 525 G
Career Stats: .321 AVG | .860 OPS | 128 HR | 328 SB | 394 2B | 1879 G
Cuyler played the majority of his career outside of Pittsburgh. His first 3 seasons from 1921 – 1923 he’s only receive 49 at bats at the big league level before finally breaking through in 1924.
His 1925 season in which he finished 2nd in MVP voting and led the Pirates to the World Series is his absolute best, and one of the best seasons period I’ve ever seen.
Sit back and listen to these numbers.
701 PA | 144 R | 220 H | 43 2B | 26 3B | 18 HR | 102 RBI | 41 SB | .357 AVG | 1.021 OPS
Nobody in the modern era has scored more runs in a single season for the Pirates.
His career numbers are impressive,
All-Star (1934)
World Series champion (1925)
4× NL stolen base leader (1926, 1928–1930)
Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame
Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame
Impressive career, relatively short Pirates career before moving on, but certainly a big reason for the 1925 Championship.
The really interesting thing about this selection isn’t his worthiness, it’s more about how little of his long career was played in Pittsburgh. This probably opens the door for guys like Doug Drabek or Bobby Bonilla, you know, players like that who had careers that outlasted their time in Pittsburgh, but acknowledge their greatest achievements in the Burgh.
Vern Law
Pirates/Career Stats: 162/147 W/L | 3.77 ERA | 2,672 IP | 1,092 K | 1.204 WHIP
Vern “Deacon” Law spent his entire career with the Pirates and between 1959 and 1960 he tossed 38 complete games and led the staff with 18 and 20 wins respectively.
1960 Cy Young Award Winner – Recognized as the best pitcher in Major League Baseball that year.
2× All-Star – Both selections came in 1960.
1960 World Series Champion – Played a key role in the Pirates’ victory over the New York Yankees, winning two games in the series.
1965 NL Comeback Player of the Year – After struggling with injuries, he posted a 17–9 record with a 2.15 ERA.
Lou Gehrig Memorial Award (1965) – Honored for character and integrity both on and off the field.
Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame Inductee
Law was known for his resilience, especially after suffering an ankle injury during the 1960 season that affected his pitching mechanics. Despite this, he continued to contribute significantly to his team.
After injuring his ankle during a celebration bus ride in 1960, Law altered his pitching mechanics to compensate. This led to a torn shoulder muscle, but he still pitched through the pain in the World Series, helping the Pirates win the championship. His perseverance became legendary as did his faith, earning him the nickname of preacher, which he insisted didn’t reflect the way he handled himself so his teammate Wally Westlake changed it to Deacon which stuck and still reflected his devout nature without the preachy connotation.
Al Oliver
Pirates Stats: .296 AVG | .789 OPS | 135 HR | 54 SB | 276 2B | 1,302 G
Career Stats: .303 AVG | .795 OPS | 219 HR | 84 SB | 529 2B | 2,368 G
Al “Scoop” Oliver was known for his smooth swing, professionalism, and leadership on and off the field. He was a key part of the Pirates’ success in the 1970s and remains a beloved figure in Pittsburgh sports history.
Part of the First All-Black Starting Lineup in MLB history (September 1, 1971) – a historic moment for baseball and civil rights, with Oliver playing center field.
Though originally an outfielder, Oliver transitioned to first base when needed. His smooth fielding earned him the nickname “Scoop” from teammates and fans. He took pride in his versatility and often said that being able to play multiple positions helped him stay in the lineup and contribute more to the team.
7× All-Star: 1972, 1975–1978, 1980, 1981
3× Silver Slugger Award Winner: 1980, 1981, 1982
1971 World Series Champion (with the Pittsburgh Pirates)
Doubles: 529 (led the league in 1980 and 1982)
Batting Titles: 1982 NL Batting Champion (.331 average with the Montreal Expos)
Led the NL in Hits (1980): 209 hits
Led the NL in RBIs (1982): 109 RBIs
Al has a good argument for the MLB Hall of Fame, but his Pirates Hall of Honor induction is a huge no brainer.
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