Stargell, whose booming home runs intimidated National League pitchers for 20 seasons, died of complications from diabetes on the day that the Pittsburgh Pirates -- the only team he ever played for -- were to play their first game in their new downtown ballpark. Stargell may not have been the greatest home-run hitter in history but he might well have been the strongest. Most of his 475 career homers were of the soaring, majestic variety and he became the first player ever to hit a ball completely out of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, accomplishing the feat twice. Stargell, who played in the shadow of teammate Roberto Clemente for 10 seasons, was nevertheless the driving force behind Pittsburgh's two World Series championships in 1971 and 1979. A statue of Stargell was unveiled outside the new PNC Park on Saturday, joining those of Clemente and Honus Wagner.
Passage: Willie Stargell, 61
Stargell, whose booming home runs intimidated National League pitchers for 20 seasons, died of complications from diabetes on the day that the Pittsburgh Pirates -- the only team he ever played for -- were to play their first game in their new downtown ballpark. Stargell may not have been the greatest home-run hitter in history but he might well have been the strongest. Most of his 475 career homers were of the soaring, majestic variety and he became the first player ever to hit a ball completely out of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, accomplishing the feat twice. Stargell, who played in the shadow of teammate Roberto Clemente for 10 seasons, was nevertheless the driving force behind Pittsburgh's two World Series championships in 1971 and 1979. A statue of Stargell was unveiled outside the new PNC Park on Saturday, joining those of Clemente and Honus Wagner.
