'Truly an honor': Pirates 2026 Hall of Fame class reflects on enshrinement

John Candelaria threw a no-hitter and won a World Series in Pittsburgh. The left-hander might be soft-spoken, but he knows the organization's rich history and grasps the magnitude of being enshrined in the Pirates Hall of Fame.

“It's a wonderful honor,” Candelaria said. “I think of all the great Pirates players who've been here, just to be mentioned with them would've been good enough. But to make the Pirates Hall of Fame is truly an honor."

Candelaria, Wilbur Cooper and Jack Wilson were formally inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame on Thursday evening, and that was the biggest takeaway from their comments — they're joining a crowded field.

As proud as they might’ve been of their own accomplishments, to be surrounded by so much greatness truly resonated.

“It’s definitely surreal," Wilson said. "Since I got the call two or three months ago, it still hasn’t really set in, and I don’t think it ever will.

"This is something I never envisioned happening. I hold [the others in the Hall of Fame] to such a high standard. It feels weird being included with them.

"But it’s definitely an extreme honor."

Cooper was represented by his great grandson, Coop DeRenne, who grew up hearing stories about Honus Wagner and later idolized Roberto Clemente and Bill Mazeroski.

He promised his parents he'd one day get grandpa into the Hall of Fame and was elated when he heard the news.

"When you look at the greats — and the Pirates have had some of the greatest players in the game — it’s a legacy that I think this city and organization should be very, very proud of," DeRenne said. "To have grandpa among them, it's something my family will cherish the rest of our lives."

The legacies celebrated Thursday, first with a ceremony and then dinner, are truly remarkable.

Cooper ranks first in Pirates history in wins (202) and complete games (263). From 1918-22, nobody in the National League won more games than Cooper (107).

Cooper was a four-time 20-game winner, the first NL lefty to win 200 and led the NL in complete games (137), innings pitched (1,508 2/3) and strikeouts (600) from 1918-22.

Candelaria threw the fifth no-hitter in team history on Aug. 9, 1976. He's ninth in Pirates history in wins (124), sixth in games started (271) and ninth in innings pitched (1,873 2/3).

When Candelaria was an All-Star in 1977, he won 20 games, led the NL in ERA (2.34) and was worth 7.4 wins above replacement, per Baseball Reference.

Wilson ranks second behind Andrew McCutchen in games (583) and hits (612) at PNC Park. He made his mark with defense. During his time at PNC Park, Wilson ranked first among NL shortstops in double plays (782) and assists (3,665).

In 2004, Wilson hit .308, led the NL in triples (12), became an All-Star and set the Pirates' single-season record for double plays turned by a shortstop (129).

"It makes it even more special the Pirates are acknowledging a glove-first guy because it doesn’t happen," Wilson said. "There are guys with All-Star Games, batting titles and Cy Young Awards ... and then there's me.

"It’s a little difficult to deal with at first because I just don’t see myself like those guys. But it’s cool that the defense does get a little love today.”

The Hall of Fame induction also brought about plenty of memories.

DeRenne recalled his grandfather telling him about debuting and having Wagner field his first ground ball. The great shortstop told Cooper, if he keeps it up, he'll have a long career.

"He thought that was a nice introduction," DeRenne said, smiling.

DeRenne said his grandpa insisted there was a game he pitched that lasted just 59 minutes, though he's looked for the newspaper clipping and can't find it.

DeRenne also beamed with pride when he discussed the New York Giants wanting to purchased Cooper for $75,000 the year before the Red Sox sold Babe Ruth for $150,000.

"Thank God the Pirates didn't do it," DeRenne said. "Thankful for the legacy he left to my father, me and now my son."

Candelaria hates talking about himself in any setting, but his eyes lit up when describing the 1979 World Series-winning team. They were so close, genuine friends. The pranks still make Candelaria laugh.

If Candelaria had a chance to pitch at PNC Park, with the North Side Notch helping him out against right-handed hitters, he would've been nothing short of elated.

"If I had a center fielder, go get it, baby," Candelaria said. "That's a big alley out there. I would've loved to have pitched here. Beautiful park as well."

Wilson told the story of getting traded to the Pirates from the Cardinals on July 29, 2000. It was an off-day in Arkansas. Wilson learned via the ticker on ESPN. He was overwhelmed at first but gradually found a home with the Pirates.

Whether it was Pirates' fans passion across all sports, the blue-collar mentality or how much they seemed to appreciate a good defender, especially one who gives all-out effort, Wilson didn't have to search for that connection.

Wilson grew up in Pittsburgh. He started a family here and will forever call this place home, with nothing but love and respect for the Pirates and a bunch of talented players in the Hall of Fame.

"We saw life the same," Wilson said. "You come out here, you work your butt off, you grind, and no matter what the scoreboard is or the record is, you’re always playing hard.

"We had a lot of guys like that, but I think that’s always the biggest compliment you can receive; how much [fans] enjoyed watching you play. It’s really special.”

Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH on X.