1972 Pittsburgh Pirates season

The 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates season was the 91st season of the Pittsburgh Pirates franchise; the 86th in the National League.

Background
The defending World Series champion Pirates finished first in the National League East with an MLB-best record of 96–59. The team was defeated three games to two by the Cincinnati Reds in the NLCS. Despite losing the series, the Pirates put up a good fight, unlike the last time the two teams met in the playoffs. In Game 5, the Pirates led 3–2 in the ninth inning, and were 3 outs away from pulling off a major upset over the Reds. All looked good until the Pirates collapsed in the 9th inning and allowed 2 runs to score, with the walkoff run coming on a wild pitch.

Offseason

 * November, 1971: Danny Murtaugh steps down as Manager of the Pirates citing health reasons. Coach Bill Virdon is named Manager.
 * January 12, 1972: Larry Demery was drafted by the Pirates in the 7th round of the 1972 Major League Baseball draft (secondary phase).
 * March 15, 1972: José Martínez was purchased from the Pirates by the Kansas City Royals.

Game log

 * Legend:      = Win       = Loss Bold = Pirates team member
 * Legend:      = Win       = Loss Bold = Pirates team member

Notable transactions

 * June 6, 1972: 1972 Major League Baseball draft
 * John Candelaria was drafted by the Pirates in the 2nd round.
 * Ken Macha was drafted by the Pirates in the 6th round.
 * Willie Randolph was drafted by the Pirates in the 7th round.
 * September 2, 1972 Bob Veale was sold by the Pirates to the Boston Red Sox.

Starters by position
''Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in''

Other batters
''Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in''

Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Awards and honors
1972 Major League Baseball All-Star Game

Farm system
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Salem, Niagara Falls