1970 30 Matty Alou

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Matty Alou   


After 4 years with outstanding numbers, Alou's average would dip just below 300 (297) in 1970 - his last year with the Pirates. On January 29, 1971, the Pirates traded him and George Brunet to the Cardinals for Nelson Briles and Vic Davalillo. He would return to 300 + territory in St. Louis, but not quite so high as in his time with the Pirates. Alou missed the 1971 World Series, but got to play in the NLCS in 1970. 

With so many young outfielders in the Pirates' system (Al Oliver, Gene Clines, Johnny Jeter), plus established stars like Stargell and Clemente, the 32 year old Alou appeared to be expendable. (Dave Parker was signed in 1970, but he would not appear in major league play for several years.) 

In his time with the Pirates, he frequently was a league leader in categories such as BA (1966), AB, PA, hits and doubles. Alou's 1970 season featured outstanding numbers in AB, hits (201), triples and runs. I have always viewed Matty as the best of the Alou brothers based on his time with the Pirates.

Before coming to Pittsburgh, Alou's best years in organized baseball had been with the PCL (Tacoma Giants) despite 6 years with the SF Giants. Only upon his arrival in Pittsburgh did he fully use his talents as a "spray" hitter. He showed the value of taking what they give you instead of trying to force a long ball. Had they coached him to "spray" in San Francisco, he might now be remembered as another Rod Carew instead of merely one member of a large baseball family.


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