RIP - Al McBean

 

Al McBean, who pitched for the Pirates in the 1960s, passed away on January 31, 2024 at age 85.

McBean hailed from the US Virgin Islands, where he was spotted by a Pirates scout. He pitched for the Pirates from 1961 to 1968. Primarily a starter in 1962 and 1968, he was a key member of their bullpen from 1963-67. 

 

He was selected by the Padres in the expansion draft after the 1968 season, but by mid-April 1969 he was traded to the Dodgers. 

 

The Dodgers released him in April 1970, and although the Pirates picked him up on the same day, he was released a month later. McBean pitched the rest of 1970 and all of 1971 for the Phillies' AAA team before retiring and returning to the Virgin Islands. 

 

Pittsburgh Baseball Now obituary  

 

Virgin Islands Daily News obituary