THE most info+photos on Bob Moose anywhere! :)

Like I said before, Bob Moose was a hero of mine growing up as a young boy in Pittsburgh. Bobby Clemente's death (when I was in first grade) and Bob Moose's death (when I was in 5th grade) both hit me hard. Moose was also my first baseball card (2nd grade). Catching on (no pun intended)? Bob Moose stood out in my young life, as did the great Pirates (and Steelers) teams back then. Please don't think I am too weird and wacky because of this blog LOL---I do everything to excess when I am interested in a subject. :) Vince :)

Robert Moose Sr.

Robert Moose Sr. retired bus driver who enjoyed hunting, fishing Robert R. Moose Sr. of Export, an outdoorsman and a retired bus driver for the Port Authority of Allegheny County, died April 24, 2009. He was 82. Mr. Moose was born March 22, 1927, in Export to the late Ralph and Bertha Mae (Schreckengost) Moose. Mr. Moose was a Navy veteran who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; the Bushy Run American Legion, Claridge; and the Italian American Club of Export. He is survived by his wife, Molly (Cardoni) Moose; a daughter, Debbie (and husband, Joe) Hopper of Export; a granddaughter, April Moose of Las Vegas; two siblings, James Moose of Murrysville and Peg Zucco of Delmont; a daughter-in-law, Alberta Fox of Las Vegas; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert R. Jr.; an infant son; and three sisters, Marie Hollup, Esther Krevokuch and Ethel Henne. Visitation and services, with the Rev. Rich-ard Seigfried officiating, were held at Wolfe-Von Geis Funeral Home Inc., Export. Interment was in Emmanuel Church Cemetery, Export.

Interesting archived Bob Moose articles

Alot of very interesting archived articles pertaining to Bob Moose via Google: just go to "News" and click on "Custom Range", type in the desired range (i.e. 1971 to 1973) and many appear. I especially enjoyed Bob Smizik's "Moose is no dog despite his record" from 1971 that includes a pic of Moose walking his dog! :) Vince Palamara

7 Greatest Power Pitchers in Franchise History (1/31/2012)

Pittsburgh Pirates: 7 Greatest Power Pitchers in Franchise History By Andrew Mease(Featured Columnist) on January 31, 2012 946 reads Two weeks ago I looked at the top 5-tool stars in Pirates history and this week I will look into the top power pitchers in Pittsburgh Pirates history. I will start out by laying down my criteria for selecting these players. The pitcher in question must either be a current Pirate or have pitched a minimum of 350 or 1,000 innings for them. The 350 number is for primary relievers and 1,000 for starters. They also must have a strikeout per nine innings (K/9) ratio of at least five (5) for their career. 7. John Candelaria With a career 124-87 record as a Pirate, "The Candy Man" had a successful time in the Steel City. His 1,159 career strikeouts ranks him fourth in Pirates history. Candelaria pitched for the Pirates from 1975 through 1985 and then again in his final season in 1993. During his Pirates career he compiled a 2.74 ERA and sported a 5.6 K/9 ratio and a very good 2.66 K/BB (strikeout to walk) ratio. The lefty Candelaria ranked just once in the Top 10 of the National League in strikeouts—sixth in 1983 with 157. Career Highlight: On August 9, 1976 Candelaria pitched a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Three Rivers Stadium. 6. Doug Drabek As a Pirate from 1987 to 1992, Drabek went 92-62 with a 3.02 ERA and also contributed 820 strikeouts. Following the '92 season, Drabek left the Pirates for the Houston Astros for the next four years and ended his career with one year stays in both Baltimore and with the White Sox. Drabek, a right handed pitcher, posted solid ratios of 5.4 K/9 and 2.43 K/BB while with the Pirates and placed in the Top Five once in strikeouts in 1992 with a career high of 177. Rick Stewart/Getty Images Career Highlight: Drabek became the Pirates second Cy Young award winning in 1990, joining Vern Law who won the award in 1960. That year Drabek went 22-6 with a 2.76 ERA with 131 strikeouts. 5. Bob Moose Moose was a lifetime Pirate as he pitched from 1967 through 1976 wearing the same No. 38 Bucco jersey. Moose compiled 827 strikeouts in his career (125 average a season) to a 76-71 career record and 3.50 career ERA. During his Pirate career he split time as a starter and a reliever but still put together ratios of 5.7 K/9 and 2.14 K/BB. Career Highlight: Moose threw a no-hitter on September 20, 1969 in Shea Stadium against the New York Mets. He also holds the Pirates' record of strikeouts in a game by a right-handed pitcher with 14 against the Phillies in 1969. 4. Elroy Face Elroy Face donned the Pirates jersey from 1953 through 1968 and compiled 188 saves during his Pirate career. The right-handed Face went 100-93 with a 3.46 ERA over his 15 seasons with the Pirates, even throwing six complete games during his short stint as a starter to start his career. Face struck out 842 batters to the ratios of 5.8 K/9 and 2.43 K/BB. Who is the best Power Pitcher in Pirates history? Joel Hanrahan 20.6%Rod Scurry 1.9%Elroy Face 6.5%Doug Drabek 16.8%Bob Veale 33.6%John Candelaria 11.2%Bob Moose 3.7%Other (Please reply with nomination in comment) 5.6%Total votes: 107 Career Highlight: Face attained the MLB record of 18 wins as a relief pitcher in 1959 with another record of 17 consecutive wins by a relief pitcher. He also holds the record for single-season win percentage, set in that same 1959 season with an 18-1 record (.947). Face is also a three-time save champ with 193 saves ranking him 44th all-time. 3. Rod Scurry Pitching with the Pirates from 1980-1985, Scurry, a left-handed reliever, put up a 17-28 career record with a 3.15 ERA. He struck out 345 batters during 377.1 relief innings with the Pirates. Good for a 8.2 K/9 ratio. However, he did give up a lot of walks too, which is the norm with power pitchers as he only had a 1.54 K/BB ratio. Career Highlight: Pirates single-season record of 95 strikeouts as a lefty reliever. 2. Joel Hanrahan Since receiving the 6'4", 245-pound Hanrahan from the Washington Nationals in a trade on June 30th, 2009 that sent Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett and also brought over Lastings Milledge, Hanrahan has recently been the best reliever for the Pirates. Hanrahan, a 30 year-old right-hander, has a 5-6 record, 2.55 ERA, and 46 saves in about 170 career innings with the Pirates. In 2010, Hanrahan posted an impressive 12.9 K/9 ratio as he struck out 100 batters in just under 70 innings. For his career he has a 9.8 K/9 ratio and an also impressive 2.37 K/BB ratio. Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images Career Highlight: The 2011 season was his best season as he made the National League All-Star team, posted a 1.83 ERA and produced 40 saves, becoming only the third Pirate to do that and the first since 2004. Notable Players That Didn't Make the List and Pirates Power Team Records The 1969 Pirates set the club record with 1,124 strikeouts as a team that season, and in 1984 they had six pitchers eclipse the 100 strikeout plateau. Bob Friend: Team career mark of 1,682 strikeouts over his Pirates career. K/9 inning ratios on the low side for the list. Jose DeLeon: Missed the mark with only 479.1 inning pitched as a Pirate starter, but holds the record of 14 strikeouts by a right-hander, which he set in 1985 against the Mets. Ratio of 8.1 K/9 and 431 strikeouts in his Pirate career. Kris Benson: Pirates single-season record holder of 184 strikeouts in a season for a right-handed pitcher in 2000. Missed the 1,000 inning cut-off with only 782 innings as a Pirate. 553 career Pirate K's and a K/9 ratio of 6.4. Rich "Goose "Gossage: Pitched one season (1977) with the Pirates and set the Pirate record for most strikeouts in a season by a right-handed reliever with 151. His 10.2 K/9 ratio that year was the best in his career. Mike Williams: Missed the cutoff with the Pirates at 321.2 innings, had a 8.7 K/9 ratio and totaled 140 saves and 312 K's. He was one of three Pirates pitchers with 40 saves in a season (Hanrahan and Jose Mesa). And finally...the top power pitcher in Pirates history... 1. Bob Veale Veale ranks second in Pirates history with 1,652 strikeouts, only behind Bob Friend's 1,682 K's. The left-handed Veale pitched just 11 seasons with the Pirates compared to Friend's 15. Veale posted a 116-91 career record and has a 3.06 ERA. He also holds the current Pirate career record of 7.96 K/9 inning rate (minimum of 700 innings pitched). Veale split time in his career as a starter and reliever, and averaged 150 strikeouts a season during his time in Pittsburgh, but as a full-time starter that number climbed to a staggering 214 a season. From 1964 through 1966 he placed in the National League top three of strikeouts, including leading the league with 250 in 1964 and a career-high 276 in 1965. He also walked a lot of batters and regularly placed in the Top Five in walks per season. Career Highlight: Set the Pirates record of 16 strikeouts in a game set in 1965 against the Phillies. The lefty also struck out 16 against the Reds in 1964. Pirates single season record of 276 strikeouts during the 1965 season.

“Bob Moose was my kind of player,” said Pete Rose of the Reds. “He would fight you to the bitter end.”

http://bruce.mlblogs.com/2008/08/01/card-corner-bob-moose/ Card Corner–Bob Moose Bob Moose–Topps Company–1973 When Bob Moose reported to spring training in 1973, he had to wade through a cloud of questioning from Pittsburgh writers about the events of the previous fall. In the ninth inning of the final game of the 1972 Championship Series against the Reds, Moose faced Hal McRae. With the game tied and two men out, George Foster led off third base. Moose uncorked a low fastball that eluded catcher Manny Sanguillen, enabling Foster to sprint home with the series-ending run. In 1973, Moose did his best to shrug off the experience, but also expressed some frustration. “The only thing that bothers me now is that people–that’s all they want to talk about,” Moose told the Associated Press. “I threw better [than that] all year, and they want to talk about one pitch.” Perhaps affected by the continued hounding about the wild pitch, the hard-throwing right-hander fell to 12-13 and saw his era climb to 3.53 in 1973, and then underwent a knee operation to remove some cartilage. The following summer, a blood clot near Moose’s collarbone sidelined him for most of the season. The clot necessitated two operations. Although Moose struggled to regain his pitching form after the surgeries, he seemed destined to become the heir apparent to Dave Giusti as the Pirates’ No. 1 relief pitcher. Unfortunately, tragedy struck the talented reliever during the fall of 1976. On October 9, Moose was driving on a narrow, twisting road near Martins Ferry, Ohio, making his way to a birthday party being thrown in his honor. Current and former Pirate teammates like Nellie Briles, Dave Giusti, Bruce Kison, Manny Sanguillen, Jim Rooker, and ElRoy Face awaited Moose’s arrival at a golf course and restaurant owned by Bill Mazeroski. At about 9:30 PM, while driving south on Ohio Route 7, Moose lost control of his car on the rain-slickened road. Police said that Moose, who was driving too fast given the wet conditions, swerved onto the bank of the road, then veered back to the left of the center line. His car crashed head-on into an oncoming vehicle. Two women in Moose’s car and the other driver escaped with injuries. Moose was not so fortunate. The young pitcher was pronounced dead at the scene. His death, while tragic enough, occurred on his 29th birthday. Moose left behind a wife, Alberta, and a young daughter, April. Richie Hebner, who served in the Marines with Moose, remembers receiving the tragic news. “I’ll never forget, I got a call and someone said, ‘Bob died.’ And I said, ‘Bob? There’s a lot of Bobs [on the Pirates].” Thoughts of roommate Bob Robertson raced through Hebner’s mind. “And they told me Moose. Geez, I felt so bad, I flew down to Pittsburgh for the funeral, and I tell ya, that was a sad, sad funeral, because at the time I think his daughter was only four years old. It was tough.” While his teammates liked him, Moose’s opponents respected him, especially his competitiveness and his willingness to pitch in pain. “Bob Moose was my kind of player,” said Pete Rose of the Reds. “He would fight you to the bitter end.” On December 15, 1976, friends and teammates of Moose announced plans to establish a “Bob Moose Memorial Fund,” which would help pay for the education of Moose’s daughter and establish a scholarship at Moose’s high school alma mater. Al Oliver, the chairman of the fund, was one of Moose’s closest friends on the Bucs. He applauded Moose for the way he handled himself after the infamous wild pitch that ended the Pirates’ season in 1972. “Moose didn’t go into hiding after that pitch,” Oliver told The Sporting News. “He walked off the field with his head high. Later in the clubhouse, he didn’t hide from reporters. He answered every question and he didn’t alibi. He was a pro.” Comment I WILL NEVER FORGET OCTOBER 9,1976.I GREW UP IN THE SMALL TOWN OF EXPORT.PA JUST LIKE BOB MOOSE.GROWING UP HE WAS MY HERO,SOMEONE FROM OUR SMALL TOWN,THAT MADE IT TO THE BIG LEAGUES.I STILL REMEMBER AS IT WAS YESTERDAY HEARING THE NEWS REPORT OF HIS TRAGIC ACCIDENT.MY FAMILY STILL LIVES NEXT DOOR TO THE FUNERAL HOME WHER BOB WAS LAID OUT IN.IT WAS REALLY A SAD DAY FOR EXPORT LOSING OUR HOMETOWN HERO.I’M NQW A 46 YEAR OLD MAN AND PROUD TO BE FROM THE SAME TOWN AND HIGHSCHOOL OF BOB MOOSE….R.I.P

Bob Moose: Find A Grave site

Robert Ralph "Bob" Moose, Jr Memorial Photos Flowers Edit Share Birth: Oct. 9, 1947 Death: Oct. 9, 1976 Major League Baseball Player. He played Major League baseball for ten seasons (1967 to 1976), all as a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The right-handed hurler compiled a regular-season won-lost record of 76-71. The highlight of his career came on September 20, 1969, when he no-hit the New York Mets, 4-0, at Shea Stadium. The 1969 season was also his best, record-wise, as he was 14-3. He also pitched in the National League Championship Series for Pittsburgh in 1970, 1971, and 1972 and in the World Series in 1971. He was killed on his 29th birthday while driving to a party at a golf course near Martins Ferry, Ohio. The car he was driving in a light rain went left of center and collided head-on with another vehicle. Cause of death: Automobile accident Burial: Twin Valley Memorial Park and Mausoleum Delmont Westmoreland County Pennsylvania, USA Plot: Section C, Lot 153, Grave 3 Maintained by: Find A Grave Record added: Jul 03, 1999 Find A Grave Memorial# 5810 http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=5810 [Add Flowers] Bob Moose was my first baseball card (in 1974- I was 8) and was a part of some of my earliest memories of the Pittsburgh Pirates. 10/9/47, 10/9/76...wild pitch in Ohio, dies in Ohio...1971 world series champ, 1969 no-hitter; came closest to throwing a no-hitter at Forbes Field. RIP. Please see: http://bobmoosebobmoosebobmoosepiratespirate.blogspot.com/ - Vince Palamara Added: Apr. 14, 2012 My humble tribute to the great Bob Moose:http://bobmoosebobmoosebobmoosepiratespirate.blogspot.com/ - Vince Palamara Added: Apr. 14, 2012 Remembering you today, Bob... - Mary Added: Feb. 10, 2012 - John P. Birosak Added: Dec. 21, 2011 Remembering you - John Added: Oct. 10, 2011 I grew up in Export,just like Bobby.I still remember hearing the tragic news like it was yesterday.I was 11 when Bob died.My house was next door to Wolfes funeral home,where Bob was laid out.I remember the small town of Export,being flooded with such Pirate royalties as Stargell,Maz,Oliver,Blass,and the Gunner,Bob Prince.I even remember Doc Ellis landing in a helicopter at St.Marys church.Bob was,and still is our home town hero.He shined bright in his short time on earth.R.I.P. - Exporter4ever Added: Jul. 10, 2011 -Anonymous Added: Jul. 1, 2011 - Karen Griswold Stroh Added: Feb. 5, 2011 -Anonymous Added: Oct. 9, 2010 - The Sunlight Caller Added: Aug. 19, 2010 -Anonymous Added: Aug. 18, 2010 - Gary Bernard Added: Aug. 18, 2010 - My Everything Added: Oct. 9, 2009 Happy Birthday in Heaven. I must have watched you pitch dozens of times on TV. I had your baseball card several years in a row, seems as though you were in every pack of Topps cards. May God's love and mercy shine upon you always. - DocBock806 Added: Oct. 9, 2009 - The Sunlight Caller Added: Oct. 9, 2009 RIP - Olin E. Hartley Added: Aug. 23, 2009 I wanted to Thank You for your beautiful daughter. She is an incredible person and I am extremely lucky to have her in my life. Please know that I would do anything for her and will keep her safe in any circumstance. I wish I could've met you, because I know we would've had some good times. Rest In Peace.Love & Respect. - Russ Lasta Added: Apr. 27, 2009 Bob, You were a great pitcher for those awesome Pirate teams. I still have your baseball cards. RIP - Gary Bernard Added: Apr. 16, 2009 - JUDY L. Added: Mar. 22, 2009 - Steve Perry Added: Mar. 9, 2009 I still remember hearing about your death on tv when I was 11 , back when baseball was still the sport to play in the burg because of the 1976 lumber company team , God bless you Bob. - Lou B Added: Jan. 8, 2009 Bob was one of my favorites as a kid. I recall Pirates 3 Pitchers, named Moose, Lamb, Veal. - mike wilhelm Added: Nov. 1, 2008 - Dead Ringer Added: Nov. 1, 2008 Thinking of you..doybisa... - 2kjmom Added: Oct. 9, 2008 - Sheila Sartain Snyder Added: Aug. 7, 2008 -Anonymous Added: Jun. 21, 2008 - anny Added: Jun. 7, 2008 Bob, I remember meeting you in Penn Hills and will always recall your graciousness. Hard to believe that you have been gone for over thirty years, but in a true fans memory you will last forever. - 32nd degree Added: Dec. 31, 2007 Taken from us far too soon. Number 38 on our program, number 1 in our hearts. R.I.P. Bob. - Don MacBeth Added: Apr. 2, 2007 Blessings and peace to you and those you loved. - Sekhet Added: Mar. 29, 2007 - Helen Shetley ♥ Special Angel Loved Always Added: Nov. 16, 2006 Rest in peace - P.L.M. Added: Oct. 9, 2006 Rest in peace. - Roberta Added: Oct. 9, 2006 - Mellissa Lake Co. Illinois Added: Oct. 9, 2006 - Sal Mineo Fan Added: Oct. 9, 2006 - Mellissa Lake Co. Illinois Added: Oct. 8, 2006 Lots of good memoriesToo young, too soon - Forever a Buc Added: Aug. 18, 2006 Rest in Peace, "Pride of Export, PA." I remember your best of times (no-hitting the Miracle Mets) & the worst of times (wild pitch ending the '72 playoffs). But thru it all you were a class act. I remember you standing on the mound, your long hair under your Pirate cap blowing in the breeze, staring down the batter. Vaya con Dios, Moosie... - William Pitt Added: Apr. 1, 2006 REPOSE EN PAIX! - quebecoise Added: Dec. 21, 2005 Taken much too early. A tragic loss. From what I've read, you were a great pitcher for the Pirates in the late 60's/early 70's. Rest in Peace, Bob - Rob Fugelseth Added: Oct. 27, 2005 - Helen Shetley ♥ Special Angel Loved Always Added: Sep. 6, 2005 RIP you were taken way too early, but may you be at peace always. - Sharon M ~~ May God Bless and Keep Added: Apr. 11, 2005 Gone too soon. God bless you. Rest in Peace - Trisha W. Added: Oct. 11, 2004 You were taken too soon. Rest in peace. - A. K., Pgh., PA. Added: Oct. 9, 2004 Very sad ending... You went to Heaven on your birthday... Rest in Peace. See you there. - Mary Added: May. 31, 2004 - grave hunter Added: Feb. 19, 2004 - Elisa Jones Added: Feb. 17, 2004 - Curt Benge Added: Jun. 19, 2003 - quebecoise Added: May. 26, 2003 - Dragon Added: Mar. 10, 2002

"Memories of Moose"- EXCELLENT 2007 article

Memories of Moose By Bob Cupp, FOR THE TRIBUNE-REVIEW Friday, April 27, 2007 Whenever he was asked what he wanted to do when he grew up, little Bobby Moose always responded, "I'm going to play baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates." After all, he started playing ball for the White Valley Pirates in the Franklin Township Little League in 1955 when he was 7 years old. In 1967, at the age of 19, he fulfilled the dream he shared with countless Western Pennsylvania Little Leaguers: He became a Pittsburgh Pirate. His mother, Molly Moose, fondly recalls: "Bobby's first uniform was so big on him I had to cut a section out of the pants legs so they wouldn't drag on the ground. Before every game, his grandmother made him polenta, an Italian corn meal mush dish, to help him play better. When Bobby was growing up, we attended all his games. We never went on vacation because Bobby would be playing ball. Needless to say, we've been to a lot of baseball games." White Valley is located east of Export along old William Penn Highway. In those days, White Valley dominated the Franklin Township Little League. The team lost only one game in four years of league competition. Bobby Moose played Little League ball for six years, developing into the most feared and respected pitcher in the district. When Moose pitched, opposing teams considered it a successful outing if they avoided a shutout. Moose's outstanding pitching performances continued through Pony League, Export Legion and Franklin Area (now Franklin Regional) High School baseball. Ed Washburn, one of Moose's Franklin teammates, recalls: "It seemed like Moose pitched every game, but his arm never got tired." After throwing three high school no-hitters and suffering only two losses in four years, Bob Moose graduated from high school, much to Franklin's WPIAL opponents' delight. After all this time, the Little Leaguers, Pony Leaguers, Legion and high school players who batted against him have clear memories of a common experience -- striking out against Bob Moose. One Delmont Little League competitor recalls reaching base safely twice against Moose -- once hit by a pitch and once again after a two-foot "blast" in front of home plate that the catcher bobbled for an error. Unfortunately for his Delmont Lions team, he didn't advance beyond first base. Also playing varsity football and basketball, Moose was one of the finest athletes who ever attended Franklin. During football games, he was always on the field, playing halfback, safety, punter and kicker. He also returned kickoffs and punts. As a senior in a 1964 game against Richland, he scored four touchdowns, running for 157 yards on 15 carries -- more than 10 yards a carry. Known for his drop-kicking ability, he also kicked two extra points in that game. In 1965, Bob Moose was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. His father, Robert R. Moose Sr., vividly remembers the event. "Bob graduated from high school on Wednesday and left that Saturday for Salem, Va., to play ball," his father explained. Spending his rookie year in the Appalachian League, he was named to the rookie all-star team. On Aug. 3, 1965, Moose made his first exhibition appearance at Forbes Field. He was called up to the parent club to pitch in the annual HYPO (Help Young Players Organize) game in support of sandlot baseball. Only two months after his high school graduation, he started the game and pitched three shutout innings against the Cleveland Indians. He spent 1966 at the Pirates' minor league Class A affiliates, Gastonia and Raleigh, advancing to Columbus in the International League and Macon in the Southern League for the 1967 season. After an overall minor league pitching record of 29-10, Moose made his major league debut against the Houston Astros, pitching five strong innings on Sept. 19, 1967, three weeks shy of his 20th birthday. His next start resulted in a complete game for his first win. He was in the big leagues to stay. The young Pirates hurler threw three shutouts and won the Jack Hernon Memorial Award for his selection as the 1968 Pirate Rookie of the Year. In 1969, he won 14 and lost three, posting the highest winning percentage (.824) in the league with a 2.91 ERA. The only thing that slowed him down that year was a two-week Marine Corps Reserves summer camp obligation. After only two full seasons, the White Valley native established himself as one of the top pitchers in the National League. Moose was involved in two of the most memorable games in Pirates history. On Sept. 20, 1969, he threw a no-hitter, beating the eventual world champion Mets 4-0 at New York. It was the first no-hitter by a Pirates pitcher since 1959 when Harvey Haddix threw 12 perfect innings at Milwaukee, only to lose in the 13th inning. Moose struck out six, including all three batters he faced in the eighth inning. Roberto Clemente saved the no-hitter with a leaping, one-handed grab of Wayne Garrett's line drive to the right field wall in the sixth inning. Pinch-hitter Rod Gaspar opened the ninth with a walk, but the Mets couldn't hit the ball out of the infield and the final three outs were recorded in order. The Pirates poured out of the dugout, mobbing Moose on the mound in celebration of his rare accomplishment. The second memorable game didn't have a good ending. Moose is generally remembered as the Pirates pitcher who threw the wild pitch that permitted the Cincinnati Reds to score the winning run in the 1972 National League Championship game. However, it must be noted that Dave Giusti gave up the home run to Johnny Bench that tied the game. Moose was brought in to pitch out of a jam with two runners on base and no outs. He recorded two easy outs before throwing the pitch that got away, allowing George Foster to score from third. Had it not been for that pitch, he would likely have been remembered as a hero. "Bob Moose" is also the answer to a tough baseball trivia question. In the history of Forbes Field, a no-hitter was never recorded there. Who was the pitcher who came closest? In June 1968, Pirates rookie, Bob Moose, went 7 2/3 innings before surrendering a hit to the Houston Astros. Only 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds, Moose possessed a fine breaking pitch, a live fast ball, a slider, a changeup and excellent control. He credited Vernon Law with conditioning him to know the hitters better instead of just trying to throw it by them. Law taught him to finesse the batters, making them hit his pitch instead of their pitch. With 11 wins and seven losses during the 1971 season, Moose helped the Pirates win the World Series. He pitched five solid innings in the sixth game against future Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer, and also made two relief appearances. Adversity was no stranger to Bob Moose. In 1974, he suffered a potentially career-ending injury and underwent surgery to remove a blood clot from his right shoulder. It was necessary to remove a rib to free up a compressed vein that was causing the problem, and he missed the last four months of the season. Showing the heart and determination that were always his trademarks, he recovered to pitch again the following year. However, he missed more action with a severely injured right thumb. After being sent to the minors for rehabilitation, he returned to the Pirates just in time to play an important role in their September 1975 pennant drive. Leading the 1976 Pirates in saves with 10, he appeared ready to fill Dave Giusti's role as stopper when tragedy struck. Moose was killed in an automobile accident in Martin's Ferry, Ohio, on Oct. 9, 1976. Ironically, it was his 29th birthday. He left behind a loving wife, Alberta Durisco Moose, who was also his high school sweetheart, and young daughter, April. Moose's lifetime major league record was 76-71 with a 3.50 ERA and 35 complete games. He had 11 or more wins in five straight seasons (1969-73) and threw more than 200 innings twice. But statistics simply don't tell the whole story. Moose was admired and respected by teammates, coaches, opponents and fans. Pirates Manager Danny Murtaugh described Moose as a "warm, vibrant human being who was always in the midst of the pregame and postgame activities." A commemorative plaque is displayed in the lobby of the Franklin Regional High School gym honoring Bob Moose's extraordinary accomplishments. The school recently nominated the 1965 graduate for induction into the new WPIAL Hall of Fame. Each WPIAL member school was allowed only one nomination. The inaugural class will be announced at a news conference in May. Regardless of the outcome, Moose will always be remembered as a great competitor who played with pride, confidence and style

Bob Moose: Wikipedia

Robert (Bob) Ralph Moose Jr. (October 9, 1947 – October 9, 1976) was a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1967 to 1976. Moose spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His best season came in 1969 when he posted a 14–3 won-loss record and a 2.91 Earned Run Average working equally as a starter and reliever. On September 20 of that year, he no-hit the eventual World Series champion New York Mets. He is also known for his wild pitch in the bottom half of the ninth inning which allowed George Foster to score the winning run in the fifth and deciding game of the 1972 NLCS, sending the Cincinnati Reds to the World Series after Pittsburgh had a one-run lead entering the bottom of the ninth, in the final game of Roberto Clemente's career. During the 1974 season, Moose suffered a blood clot under the shoulder of his pitching arm. Surgery was required to remove the clot plus one of Moose's ribs.[1] Moose was killed in an auto accident heading to Bill Mazeroski's golf course near Martins Ferry, Ohio, on his 29th birthday Pitcher Born: October 9, 1947(1947-10-09) Export, Pennsylvania Died: October 9, 1976(1976-10-09) (aged 29) Martins Ferry, Ohio Batted: Right Threw: Right MLB debut September 19, 1967 for the Pittsburgh Pirates Last MLB appearance September 25, 1976 for the Pittsburgh Pirates Career statistics Win–loss record 76–71 Earned run average 3.50 Strikeouts 827 Teams Pittsburgh Pirates (1967–1976) Career highlights and awards World Series champion (1971) pitched a no-hitter on September 20, 1969 ----- Pittsburgh Pirates 1971 World Series Champions 2 Jackie Hernández ·4 Charlie Sands ·7 Bob Robertson ·8 Willie Stargell ·9 Bill Mazeroski ·11 José Pagán ·14 Gene Alley ·15 Gene Clines ·16 Al Oliver ·17 Dock Ellis ·18 Vic Davalillo ·20 Richie Hebner ·21 Roberto Clemente (World Series MVP) ·23 Luke Walker ·25 Bruce Kison ·27 Bob Johnson ·28 Steve Blass ·29 Milt May ·30 Dave Cash ·31 Dave Giusti ·32 Bob Miller ·34 Nelson Briles ·35 Manny Sanguillén ·38 Bob Moose ·39 Bob Veale Manager:40 Danny Murtaugh Coaches:5 Dave Ricketts ·41 Bill Virdon ·42 Don Osborn ·43 Don Leppert ·44 Frank Oceak ----------------