As the 1960 World Series exhibit continues at the Heinz History Center, we spoke with former Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Dick Groat, who was the National League's Most Valuable Player during that memorable season.
Much of his memorabilia, including his jersey worn that season, is included in the exhibit. At one point in his career, Groat played in both the NBA and the Major Leagues and was an All-American basketball player at Duke University.
“We were in last place in 1958, the end of July, and all of a sudden learned how to win," Groat said. "You don’t know why it happens or when it happens, but all of a sudden we all grew up together.”
That’s what Groat thinks is happening with the Pirates organization right now. The team and the city both came alive. Groat grew up in Swissvale, and he was thrilled to win the World Series in Pittsburgh. He had never seen the Pirates win the championship in his lifetime, and he was a part of the first win in 35 years.
“There’s no way you can relive or re-do the special moments of being in a world series in your hometown,” he said.
The exhibit at the Heinz History Center will run through May 1.
