The Pittsburgh Pirates organization has unveiled its latest class of Hall of Fame inductees, recognizing three former players for their remarkable careers and impact on the franchise. The esteemed honorees for the 2026 class are left-handed pitchers John Candelaria and Wilbur Cooper, and iconic shortstop Jack Wilson.
This year’s selections highlight the rich tapestry of the Pirates' history, with their careers collectively covering almost a hundred years. Bob Nutting, Chairman of the Pirates, emphasized that these inductions serve as a testament to the profound influence these athletes had on the team. The Hall of Fame was established to preserve and share the stories of such pivotal figures with current and future generations of fans. John Candelaria, affectionately known as “Candy Man,” was a key member of the 1979 World Series championship team and an All-Star in 1977, where he led MLB with an impressive 2.34 ERA. He also notably pitched the fifth no-hitter in franchise history in 1976. Wilbur Cooper, who played for Pittsburgh from 1912 to 1924, remains the franchise leader in wins with 202 and complete games with 263. He was the first National League left-hander to achieve 200 victories and was a four-time 20-game winner. Jack Wilson, the most recent inductee in terms of playing era, spent his first nine big-league seasons with the Pirates from 2001 to 2009. He earned All-Star and Silver Slugger honors in 2004, leading the league with 12 triples and achieving a career-best .308 batting average while playing in 1,128 games at shortstop, ranking fourth in franchise history.
The official induction ceremony will take place on September 3, followed by a special pre-game tribute on September 4 before the Pirates' game against the Angels. With these new additions, the Pirates Hall of Fame, established in 2022, now proudly comprises 32 members, continuing to honor the legends who have shaped the team’s storied past.
This annual tradition of recognizing past heroes reinforces the enduring spirit of the Pittsburgh Pirates and inspires both current players and fans alike. By celebrating the legacies of Candelaria, Cooper, and Wilson, the franchise not only preserves its history but also instills a sense of pride and connection across generations, fostering a vibrant and hopeful future for Pittsburgh baseball.
