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The pirates roots in Pittsburgh actually date back to April 15th 1876, when the Pittsburgh Allegheny brought professional baseball to the city by playing their first game at Union Park.
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The Allegheny defeated the defending league-champion Chicago White Stockings, 6-2, before a crowd of nearly 10,000 at Recreation Park.
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When the players league folded after only one season, all players were excepted to return to the clubs they played
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The Allegheny's roster was demolished when key players jumped to a new rival to the national league- the players league
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Pittsburgh signed Louis Bierbauer, a second baseman with Brooklyn of the players league who had sent the previous four seasons with Philadelphia Athletics
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The fortunes of the Pirates turned in when the National league reduced its membership from 12 to 8 teams.
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All would play significant roles as the pirates became the leagues dominant franchise, winning pennants and a world championship