The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced that Wilbur Cooper, John Candelaria and Jack Wilson will comprise the 2026 class of inductees into the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame. The club launched the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame in 2022 to recognize former players and managers who have made a significant impact on the franchise, the game of baseball and the Pittsburgh community.
“The playing careers of the three inductees who make up the 2026 class of the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame span nearly 100 years, reflecting the rich history of our organization and the special place these players hold within it,” said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. “This recognition is about the celebration of the career achievements and a testament to the impact they had on our organization. We established the Pirates Hall of Fame to ensure the stories of players like Wilbur, John and Jack are shared with generations of Pirates fans, and we are proud to welcome them as the class of 2026.”
Cooper, Candelaria and Wilson will join the inaugural class of 19 members who were inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2022, along with the four inductees from 2023, three from 2024 and three from 2025. This year’s class will be honored as part of a special pre-game ceremony on the field before the game against the Angels on Friday, September 4, following their official induction on Thursday, September 3.
2026 Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame Class:
Wilbur Cooper – Spent 13 years pitching with the Pirates from 1912-1924…Ranks first all-time among Pirates pitchers in wins (202) and complete games (263)…Also ranks second in games started (369) and innings pitched (3198.0), third in strikeouts (1196) and fourth in ERA (2.75)…A four-time winner of 20 games who led the National League with 22 wins in 1921…Was the first N.L. lefthander to win 200 games…Holds the Pirates club record for lowest ERA by a left-handed pitcher in a season (1.87 in 1916)…His great-grandson is Keoni DeRenne, who spent five years in the Pirates minor league system, most recently serving as Altoona’s Hitting Coach in 2018 (he is currently the Hitting Coach with Triple-A Durham in Tampa Bay’s system).
John Candelaria – Spent 12 of his 19 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Pirates…Ranks fourth in team history in strikeouts (1159) and ninth in wins (124)…Was an All-Star in 1977 and won 20 games that season while leading the National League in ERA (2.34)…Was a member of the 1979 World Series champion Pirates team…Tossed the fifth no-hitter in team history on August 9, 1976.
Jack Wilson – Spent the first nine years of his 12-year career with the Pirates…Ranks fourth in team history in games played at shortstop (1128)…Holds the club record for most double plays turned by a shortstop in a season (129 in 2004)…Was an All-Star, a Silver Slugger Award winner and voted team MVP in 2004…Ranked third in the N.L. with 201 hits in 2004 and became the ninth National League shortstop to collect 200 hits in a season…Ranks second all-time in games played (583) and hits (612) in PNC Park history.