Traynor, Pie (1899-1972), ranks among the greatest third basemen in baseball history. Traynor played his entire major league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League. During his 17 seasons with the Pirates, Traynor led the National League in putouts seven times and in double plays by a third baseman four times. He was also an outstanding hitter. He batted over .300 in 10 seasons and finished with a career average of .320.
Harold Joseph Traynor was born on Nov. 11, 1899, in Framingham, Massachusetts. He may have acquired his nickname from a childhood fondness for pies. Traynor joined Pittsburgh in 1920 from a minor league team. He appeared in only 24 games in 1920 and 1921, but became the team’s regular third baseman in 1922. Traynor was durable, playing in at least 130 games for 12 straight seasons, from 1922 to 1933.
Traynor retired as a player in 1937. He managed Pittsburgh from 1934 to 1939. He spent the rest of his career as a scout for the Pirates. Traynor was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1948. He died on March 16, 1972.
See also Pittsburgh Pirates.
