Willie Stargell slugged 475 homers and drove in 1,540 runs during his Hall of Fame career. The 7-time all star earned consideration in MVP balloting in 11 seasons, receiving the honor in 1979.

Though it was not his finest statistical season, Stargell was the heartbeat of the World Series champs. Fans fondly recall the ’79 “We Are Family” Pirates club with Pops leading the way.

Chuck Tanner piloted that club to earn his only pennant in 20-year managerial career. Tanner was the skipper in Pittsburgh through Willie Stargell’s final six seasons. In this handwritten letter Tanner writes, “Willie was the leader of our team on the field and off the field. He was like a 10 diamond karat ring on your finger to manage. What an honor I had.” Tanner then pens his name at the bottom. Also shown is an autographed Donruss baseball card of the Buccos’ skipper.

Chuck Tanner managed four big league teams from 1970-1988. He’s best known for his nine years in Pittsburgh that began in 1977. The crowning moment of his managerial career came with the championship in 1979.

The ’79 Pirates roster boasted four-time batting champ Bill Madlock, five-tool star Dave Parker, and Hall of Fame pitcher Bert Blyleven. The leader of the star-studded team was 39-year old Willie Stargell.

Over the course of his 21-year career, Stargell hit .282 with 2,232 hits, 423 doubles, 475 homers and 1,540 runs batting in. Those numbers, along with his character and commitment to his team earned Stargell a place in Cooperstown. Shown here is an invitation to the dedication of Stargell’s Hall of Fame plaque on July 31, 1988. Stargell added his autograph to the bottom of the invitation.