Call on Line One

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Willie Stargell listens on the field while receiving a congratulatory phone call from President Ronald Reagan 43 years ago today during “Willie Stargell Day” before a Monday night crowd of 38,052 at Three Rivers Stadium.

The Pirates celebrate the day by retiring Stargell’s No. 8, which he wears for 21 seasons from 1962-82.

For his part on this day in 1982, Stargell delivers a pinch-hit single to center field off Doug Sisk in the eighth inning of the Pirates’ 6-1 victory over the New York Mets.

Stargell retires after the 1982 season, having put together a Hall of Fame career that includes 475 home runs, seven National League All-Star Game selections, two World Series titles and a trio of Most Valuable Player Awards in 1979 for the regular season, the National League Championship Series and the World Series.

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