Trivia: This player was drafted by the Steelers but played for the Pirates.

Not a trick question! This player was actually a running back drafted by the Steelers, but signed with the Pirates as a pitcher and played for several years.

Anyone know who he was?

 

Hmmm.... I know of a RB that played minor league ball for the Pirates but Steelers didn't draft him. Can't even remember his name. Pretty sure that isn't the guy anyhow.

 

Earl Francis?

 

Nope. 1950s era….

 

Ok, this must be harder than I thought. It was Laurin Pepper.

 

I have a second edition of "The Pittsburgh Pirates Encyclopedia" a book my sister got me for a BD. Damn thing is heavy and large.

1955 a very good year Laurin Pepper went 0-1 , 14 games, ERA of 10.35.
1956 went 1-1 in 11 games with a 3.00 ERA.
1957 went 0-1 in 5 games with an 8.00 ERA.

This guy would have fit right in with todays Bucs.

 

I didn't see this question until now.

 

OK - I must be older than I thought. Laurin Pepper was one of my first Pirate baseball cards along with Whammy Douglas and RC Stevens. Back in the day I think there was a Walt "Moose" Dropo (1st B multiple teams) in every pack of bubble gum cards. I must have had 20 of this guy.

 

Was his Dad… wait for it… Dr Pepper?!