Current Pittsburgh Pirates domestic minor league affiliate locations
Pittsburgh Pirates
Indianapolis Indians
Altoona Curve
Bradenton Marauders/ FCL Pirates
Greensboro Grasshoppers
Current Pittsburgh Pirates domestic minor league affiliate locations

The Pittsburgh Pirates farm system consists of six Minor League Baseball affiliates across the United States and in the Dominican Republic. Three teams are owned by the major league club, while three others—the Indianapolis Indians, Altoona Curve, Greensboro Grasshoppers—are independently owned.

The Pirates have been affiliated with the Double-A Altoona Curve of the Eastern League since 1999, making it the longest-running active affiliation in the organization among teams not owned by the Pirates.[1] It is also the longest affiliation in the team's history. Their newest affiliate is the High-A Greensboro Grasshoppers of the South Atlantic League, which became a Pirates affiliate in 2019.[1]

Geographically, Pittsburgh's closest domestic affiliate is the Altoona Curve, which are approximately 85 miles (137 km) away. Pittsburgh's furthest domestic affiliates are the Single-A Bradenton Marauders of the Florida State League and the Florida Complex League Pirates of the Rookie Florida Complex League, which share a facility some 907 miles (1,460 km) away.

2021–present

The current structure of Minor League Baseball is the result of an overall contraction of the system beginning with the 2021 season. Class A was reduced to two levels: High-A and Low-A.[2] Low-A was reclassified as Single-A in 2022.[3] League Champions are noted in bold.

Year Triple-A Double-A High-A Single-A Rookie League Foreign Rookie
2022 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Greensboro Grasshoppers Bradenton Marauders FCL Pirates DSL Pirates
2021 Indianapolis Indians[4] Altoona Curve[4] Greensboro Grasshoppers[4] Bradenton Marauders[4] FCL Pirates Black
FCL Pirates Gold 		DSL Pirates

1990–2020

Minor League Baseball operated with six classes from 1990 to 2020. The Class A level was subdivided for a second time with the creation of Class A-Advanced. The Rookie level consisted of domestic and foreign circuits.[5]

Year Triple-A Double-A Class A-Advanced Class A Class A Short Season Rookie League Foreign Rookie
2020 Indianapolis Indians[6] Altoona Curve[7] Bradenton Marauders[8] Greensboro Grasshoppers[9] West Virginia Black Bears[10] Bristol Pirates,[8] GCL Pirates DSL Pirates 1, DSL Pirates 2
2019 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Bradenton Marauders Greensboro Grasshoppers West Virginia Black Bears Bristol Pirates, GCL Pirates DSL Pirates 1, DSL Pirates 2
2018 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Bradenton Marauders West Virginia Power[11] West Virginia Black Bears Bristol Pirates, GCL Pirates DSL Pirates 1, DSL Pirates 2
2017 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Bradenton Marauders West Virginia Power West Virginia Black Bears Bristol Pirates, GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
2016 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Bradenton Marauders West Virginia Power West Virginia Black Bears Bristol Pirates, GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
2015 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Bradenton Marauders West Virginia Power West Virginia Black Bears Bristol Pirates, GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
2014 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Bradenton Marauders West Virginia Power Jamestown Jammers Bristol Pirates, GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
2013 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Bradenton Marauders West Virginia Power Jamestown Jammers GCL Pirates DSL Pirates 1, DSL Pirates 2
2012 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Bradenton Marauders West Virginia Power State College Spikes GCL Pirates DSL Pirates 1, DSL Pirates 2
2011 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Bradenton Marauders West Virginia Power State College Spikes GCL Pirates DSL Pirates, VSL Pirates
2010 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Bradenton Marauders West Virginia Power State College Spikes GCL Pirates DSL Pirates, VSL Pirates
2009 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Lynchburg Hillcats West Virginia Power State College Spikes GCL Pirates DSL Pirates, VSL Pirates
2008 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Lynchburg Hillcats Hickory Crawdads State College Spikes GCL Pirates DSL Pirates, VSL Pirates
2007 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Lynchburg Hillcats Hickory Crawdads State College Spikes GCL Pirates DSL Pirates, VSL Pirates
2006 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Lynchburg Hillcats Hickory Crawdads Williamsport Crosscutters GCL Pirates DSL Pirates, VSL Pirates
2005 Indianapolis Indians Altoona Curve Lynchburg Hillcats Hickory Crawdads Williamsport Crosscutters GCL Pirates DSL Pirates, VSL Pirates
2004 Nashville Sounds Altoona Curve Lynchburg Hillcats Hickory Crawdads Williamsport Crosscutters GCL Pirates DSL Pirates, San Joaquín
2003 Nashville Sounds Altoona Curve Lynchburg Hillcats Hickory Crawdads Williamsport Crosscutters GCL Pirates DSL Pirates, Chivacoa
2002 Nashville Sounds Altoona Curve Lynchburg Hillcats Hickory Crawdads Williamsport Crosscutters GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
2001 Nashville Sounds Altoona Curve Lynchburg Hillcats Hickory Crawdads Williamsport Crosscutters GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
2000 Nashville Sounds Altoona Curve Lynchburg Hillcats Hickory Crawdads Williamsport Crosscutters GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
1999 Nashville Sounds Altoona Curve Lynchburg Hillcats Hickory Crawdads Williamsport Crosscutters GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
1998 Nashville Sounds Carolina Mudcats Lynchburg Hillcats Augusta GreenJackets Erie SeaWolves GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
1997 Calgary Cannons Carolina Mudcats Lynchburg Hillcats Augusta GreenJackets Erie SeaWolves GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
1996 Calgary Cannons Carolina Mudcats Lynchburg Hillcats Augusta GreenJackets Erie SeaWolves GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
1995 Calgary Cannons Carolina Mudcats Lynchburg Hillcats Augusta GreenJackets Erie SeaWolves GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
1994 Buffalo Bisons Carolina Mudcats Salem Buccaneers Augusta GreenJackets Welland Pirates GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
1993 Buffalo Bisons Carolina Mudcats Salem Buccaneers Augusta Pirates Welland Pirates GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
1992 Buffalo Bisons Carolina Mudcats Salem Buccaneers Augusta Pirates Welland Pirates GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
1991 Buffalo Bisons Carolina Mudcats Salem Buccaneers Augusta Pirates Welland Pirates GCL Pirates DSL Pirates
1990 Buffalo Bisons Harrisburg Senators Salem Buccaneers Augusta Pirates Welland Pirates GCL Pirates DSL Pirates

1963–1989

The foundation of the minors' current structure was the result of a reorganization initiated by Major League Baseball (MLB) before the 1963 season. The reduction from six classes to four (Triple-A, Double-AA, Class A, and Rookie) was a response to the general decline of the minors throughout the 1950s and early-1960s when leagues and teams folded due to shrinking attendance caused by baseball fans' preference for staying at home to watch MLB games on television. The only change made within the next 27 years was Class A being subdivided for the first time to form Class A Short Season in 1966.[5]

Year Triple-A Double-A Class A Class A Short Season Rookie League
1989 Buffalo Bisons Harrisburg Senators Salem Buccaneers, Augusta Pirates Welland Pirates Princeton Pirates, GCL Pirates
1988 Buffalo Bisons Harrisburg Senators Salem Buccaneers, Augusta Pirates Watertown Pirates Princeton Pirates, GCL Pirates
1987 Vancouver Canadians Harrisburg Senators Salem Buccaneers, Macon Pirates Watertown Pirates GCL Pirates
1986 Hawaii Islanders Nashua Pirates Prince William Pirates, Macon Pirates Watertown Pirates GCL Pirates
1985 Hawaii Islanders Nashua Pirates Prince William Pirates, Macon Pirates Watertown Pirates GCL Pirates
1984 Hawaii Islanders Nashua Pirates Prince William Pirates, Macon Pirates Watertown Pirates GCL Pirates
1983 Hawaii Islanders Lynn Sailors Alexandria Dukes, Greenwood Pirates Watertown Pirates GCL Pirates
1982 Portland Beavers Buffalo Bisons Alexandria Dukes, Greenwood Pirates — GCL Pirates
1981 Portland Beavers Buffalo Bisons Alexandria Dukes, Greenwood Pirates — GCL Pirates
1980 Portland Beavers Buffalo Bisons Salem Pirates, Shelby Pirates — GCL Pirates
1979[12] Portland Beavers Buffalo Bisons Salem Pirates, Shelby Pirates — GCL Pirates
1978 Columbus Clippers Shreveport Captains Salem Pirates, Charleston Pirates — GCL Pirates
1977 Columbus Clippers Shreveport Captains Salem Pirates, Charleston Patriots Niagara Falls Pirates GCL Pirates
1976 Charleston Charlies Shreveport Captains Salem Pirates, Charleston Patriots Niagara Falls Pirates GCL Pirates
1975 Charleston Charlies Shreveport Captains Salem Pirates, Charleston Pirates Niagara Falls Pirates GCL Pirates
1974[13] Charleston Charlies Thetford Mines Pirates Salem Pirates, Charleston Pirates Niagara Falls Pirates GCL Pirates
1973 Charleston Charlies Sherbrooke Pirates Salem Pirates, Charleston Pirates Niagara Falls Pirates GCL Pirates
1972 Charleston Charlies Sherbrooke Pirates Salem Pirates, Gastonia Pirates Niagara Falls Pirates GCL Pirates
1971 Charleston Charlies Waterbury Pirates Salem Rebels, Monroe Pirates Niagara Falls Pirates GCL Pirates
1970 Columbus Jets Waterbury Pirates Salem Rebels, Gastonia Pirates Niagara Falls Pirates GCL Pirates, GCL Tourists
1969 Columbus Jets York Pirates Salem Rebels, Gastonia Pirates Geneva Pirates GCL Pirates
1968 Columbus Jets York Pirates Salem Rebels, Clinton Pilots, Gastonia Pirates — GCL Pirates
1967 Columbus Jets Macon Peaches Raleigh Pirates, Clinton Pilots, Gastonia Pirates — Salem Rebels
1966 Columbus Jets Asheville Tourists Raleigh Pirates, Clinton Pilots, Gastonia Pirates — Salem Rebels
1965[14] Columbus Jets Asheville Tourists Kinston Eagles, Batavia Pirates, Gastonia Pirates — Salem Rebels
1964 Columbus Jets Asheville Tourists Kinston Eagles, Reno Silver Sox, Batavia Pirates, Gastonia Pirates — Salem Rebels
1963[15] Columbus Jets Asheville Tourists Kinston Eagles, Reno Silver Sox, Batavia Pirates, Gastonia Pirates — Kingsport Pirates

1920–1962

The minors operated with six classes (Triple-A, Double-A, and Classes A, B, C, and D) from 1946 to 1962. The Pacific Coast League (PCL) was reclassified from Triple-A to Open in 1952 due to the possibility of becoming a third major league. This arrangement ended following the 1957 season when the relocation of the National League's Dodgers and Giants to the West Coast killed any chance of the PCL being promoted. The 1963 reorganization resulted in the Eastern and South Atlantic Leagues being elevated from Class A to Double-A, five of seven Class D circuits plus the ones in B and C upgraded to A, and the Appalachian League reclassified from D to Rookie.[5]

Year Triple-A Double-A Class A Class B Class C Class D
1962 Columbus Jets — Asheville Tourists Kinston Eagles Grand Forks Chiefs Batavia Pirates,
Burlington Bees,
Kingsport Pirates
1961 Columbus Jets — Asheville Tourists Burlington Bees Grand Forks Chiefs Batavia Pirates,
Hobbs Pirates,
Kingsport Pirates,
Shelby Colonels
1960 Columbus Jets, Salt Lake City Bees — Savannah Pirates Burlington Bees Grand Forks Chiefs Dubuque Packers,
Hobbs Pirates,
Kingsport Pirates
1959 Columbus Jets, Salt Lake City Bees — Columbus/Gastonia Pirates Wilson Tobs Grand Forks Chiefs,
Idaho Falls Russets 		Dubuque Packers,
Salem Rebels,
San Angelo/Roswell Pirates
1958 Columbus Jets, Salt Lake City Bees — Lincoln Chiefs Tri-City Braves Douglas Copper Kings,
Grand Forks Chiefs,
San Jose Pirates 		Clinton Pirates,
Salem Rebels,
San Angelo Pirates
1957[16] Hollywood Stars
Columbus Jets 		— Lincoln Chiefs Beaumont Pirates Douglas Copper Kings,
Grand Forks Chiefs,
San Jose JoSox 		Clinton Pirates,
Jamestown Falcons,
Salem Rebels
1956 Hollywood Stars New Orleans Pelicans Williamsport Grays
Lincoln Chiefs 		Kinston Eagles,
Waco Pirates 		Billings Mustangs,
Douglas Copper Kings,
Grand Forks Chiefs 		Brunswick Pirates,
Clinton Pirates,
Dublin Irish
1955 Hollywood Stars New Orleans Pelicans Williamsport Grays
Lincoln Chiefs 		Burlington-Graham Pirates,
Waco Pirates 		Billings Mustangs,
St. Jean Canadians,
Salinas Packers 		Brunswick Pirates,
Clinton Pirates,
Dublin Irish
1954 Hollywood Stars New Orleans Pelicans Williamsport Grays
Denver Bears 		Burlington-Graham Pirates,
Waco Pirates 		Billings Mustangs,
Hutchinson Elks,
St. Jean Canadians 		Brunswick Pirates,
Clinton Pirates,
Dublin Irish
1953 — New Orleans Pelicans Charleston Rebels
Denver Bears 		Burlington-Graham Pirates,
Waco Pirates/Longview Pirates,
 Billings Mustangs,
Hutchinson Elks,
St. Jean Canadians 		Batavia Clippers,
Bristol Twins,
Brunswick Pirates,
Dublin Irish
1952 Hollywood Stars New Orleans Pelicans Charleston Rebels
Denver Bears 		Burlington-Graham Pirates,
Waco Pirates 		Billings Mustangs,
Hutchinson Elks,
Modesto Reds,
St. Jean Canadians 		Bartlesville Pirates/Pittsburg Pirates,
Batavia Clippers,
Bristol Twins,
Brunswick Pirates,
Mayfield Clothiers
1951 Hollywood Stars
Indianapolis Indians 		New Orleans Pelicans Charleston Rebels Burlington Bees,
Waco Pirates 		Butler Tigers,
Hutchinson Elks,
Modesto Reds 		Bartlesville Pirates,
Brunswick Pirates,
Eugene Larks,
Mayfield Clothiers,
Salisbury Pirates
1950 Indianapolis Indians New Orleans Pelicans Albany Senators
Charleston Rebels 		Waco Pirates,
York White Roses 		Hutchinson Elks,
Modesto Reds 		Bartlesville Pirates,
Greenville Pirates
Mayfield Clothiers,
Salisbury Pirates,
Tallahassee Pirates
1949 Indianapolis Indians New Orleans Pelicans Albany Senators Davenport Pirates,
Waco Pirates,
York White Roses 		Modesto Reds
Keokuk Pirates,
Uniontown Coal Barons 		Bartlesville Pirates,
Greenville Pirates
Salisbury Pirates,
Tallahassee Pirates
1948[17] Indianapolis Indians New Orleans Pelicans Albany Senators
Fort Wayne Generals 		Anderson Rebels,
Davenport Pirates,
Waco Pirates,
York White Roses 		Fargo-Moorhead Twins,
Keokuk Pirates,
Uniontown Coal Barons 		Bartlesville Pirates,
Greenville Pirates
Leesburg Pirates,
New Iberia Pelicans
Rehoboth Beach Pirates,
Salisbury Pirates,
Santa Rosa Pirates,
Tallahassee Pirates
1947 Indianapolis Indians — Albany Senators Selma Cloverleafs,
York White Roses 		Fargo-Moorhead Twins,
Keokuk Pirates,
Riverside Dons
Uniontown Coal Barons 		Bartlesville Oilers,
Hornell Maples,
Leesburg Pirates,
Rehoboth Beach Pirates,
Salisbury Pirates,
Tallahassee Pirates
1946 Hollywood Stars Birmingham Barons Albany Senators Anniston Rams,
Selma Cloverleafs
Yakima Stars,
York White Roses 		Oil City Oilers Bartlesville Oilers
Hornell Maples,
Salisbury Pirates,
Tallahassee Pirates,
Tallassee Indians
1945 — — Albany Senators York White Roses — Hornell Maples,
Salisbury Pirates
1944 — Toronto Maple Leafs Albany Senators York White Roses — Hornell Maples
1943 — Toronto Maple Leafs Albany Senators York White Roses — Hornell Maples
1942 — Toronto Maple Leafs Albany Senators Harrisburg Senators Hutchinson Pirates Hornell Maples,
Moultrie Packers,
Oil City Oilers
1941 — — Albany Senators Harrisburg Senators Hutchinson Pirates,
Gloversville-Johnstown Glovers 		London Pirates,
Oil City Oilers,
Moultrie Packers
1940 — Syracuse Chiefs Albany Senators Gadsden Pilots, Harrisburg Senators Gloversville-Johnstown Glovers,
Hutchinson Pirates 		Carthage Pirates,
Fort Lauderdale Tarpons,
London Pirates,
McKeesport Little Braves/Oil City Oilers
1939 — — Knoxville Smokies Gadsden Pilots Hutchinson Pirates Carthage Pirates,
Jamestown Jaguars,
McKeesport Little Pirates
Valdosta Trojans
1938 — Montreal Royals Knoxville Smokies Savannah Indians Hutchinson Larks Carthage Pirates
1937 — Montreal Royals — Savannah Indians Hutchinson Larks Paducah Indians, Mt. Airy Reds
1936 — — Scranton Miners — Hutchinson Larks,
Portsmouth Pirates 		Jeannette Little Pirates,
Portageville-Owensboro Pirates,
Winnipeg Maroons
1935 — Kansas City Blues Birmingham Barons — Portsmouth Pirates —
1934 — — Little Rock Travelers — Springfield Pirates McKeesport Tubers
1933 — — Tulsa Oilers — — —
1932 — — Tulsa Oilers — — —
1931 — — Wichita Aviators — — —
1930 — — Wichita Aviators Columbia Comers — —
1921 — — Wichita Falls Spudders — — —
1920 — — — Wichita Falls Spudders — —

References

  1. ^ a b "Pittsburgh Pirates Minor League Affiliates". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  2. ^ Mayo, Jonathan (February 12, 2021). "MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues". Major League Baseball. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  3. ^ "Historical League Names to Return in 2022". Minor League Baseball. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d Berry, Adam (December 9, 2020). "Pirates aim to keep top 4 affiliates in the fold". MLB. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c Cronin, John (Spring 2013). "Truth in the Minor League Class Structure: The Case for the Reclassification of the Minors". The Baseball Research Journal. Society for American Baseball Research. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  6. ^ "Pirates, Indians extend PDC to 2020". Ballpark Digest. October 17, 2015. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  7. ^ "Curve, Pirates Extend Affiliation Through 2022". Ballpark Digest. March 17, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  8. ^ a b Reichard, Kevin. "Affiliate Dance". Ballpark Digest. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  9. ^ Spedden, Zach (September 21, 2018). "Grasshoppers, Pirates Announce Affiliation". Ballpark Digest. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  10. ^ "Pirates, Black Bears Player Development Contract Extended". Ballpark Digest. June 24, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  11. ^ Reichard, Kevin (September 9, 2014). "Power, Pirates extend PDC through 2018". Ballpark Digest. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  12. ^ Official Baseball Dope Book. St. Louis, Missouri: The Sporting News, 1979.
  13. ^ Official Baseball Dope Book. St. Louis, Missouri: The Sporting News, 1974.
  14. ^ Official Baseball Dope Book. St. Louis, Missouri: The Sporting News, 1965.
  15. ^ Official Baseball Record Book. St. Louis, Missouri: The Sporting News, 1963.
  16. ^ Official Baseball Guide. St. Louis, Missouri: The Sporting News, 1957.
  17. ^ Official Baseball Guide. St. Louis, Missouri: The Sporting News, 1948.

External links

Pittsburgh Pirates
Minor league baseball affiliates by franchise
Categories