Pirates' Oneil Cruz joins 1909 Honus Wagner in astounding Pittsburgh baseball history

Cruz's four-hit, three-steal game puts him in elite company with Pirates legends

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the various plays and actions of Oneil Cruz's four-hit, three-steal game, with the baseball diamond, players, and stadium seating deconstructed into abstract, overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant colors.Oneil Cruz's historic performance joins him with Pittsburgh Pirates legends in the record books, showcasing his dynamic all-around abilities.Today in Pittsburgh

Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates has joined an exclusive club, becoming only the third player in franchise history to record at least four hits and three stolen bases in a single game against the Chicago Cubs. The last Pirates player to accomplish this feat was Tony Womack in 1998, with the legendary Honus Wagner being the first to do it back in 1909.

Why it matters

This achievement by Cruz highlights the rich history and tradition of the Pirates organization, as he joins the ranks of two all-time greats in Wagner and Womack. It also showcases Cruz's impressive all-around skills as a leadoff hitter, blending power, speed, and hitting ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

The details

In the Pirates' extra-inning win over the Cubs on Saturday, Cruz went 4-for-5 with a double, a walk, and three stolen bases. His performance raised his season batting average to .345 and his OPS to 1.018. The last Pirates players to accomplish this feat were Tony Womack in 1998 and the legendary Honus Wagner in 1909.

  • On May 3, 1909, Honus Wagner achieved the feat at the West Side Grounds in Chicago, going 5-for-6 with a double and three steals.
  • On July 5, 1998, Tony Womack recorded four hits and three steals in a 7-6 Pirates loss to the Cubs.
  • On April 12, 2026, Oneil Cruz matched the accomplishment in the Pirates' extra-inning win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

The players

Oneil Cruz

A rising star outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, known for his impressive combination of power, speed, and hitting ability.

Honus Wagner

A Hall of Fame shortstop and one of the greatest players in Pittsburgh Pirates history, known as 'The Flying Dutchman' for his speed and athleticism.

Tony Womack

A former Pirates outfielder and second baseman, known for his speed and ability to impact the game with his legs.

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What they’re saying

“There's all these box scores and stats and information that can travel across eras. And that's how Cruz can share a moment with the first great Pirates legend, Honus Wagner, from 117 years earlier.”

— Billy Heyen, Author

What’s next

The Pirates will look to continue their strong start to the season as they take on the Cubs in the rubber match of their series on Sunday.

The takeaway

Oneil Cruz's historic performance not only cements his place in Pirates lore, but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy and rich tradition of the franchise. His ability to match the feats of all-time greats like Honus Wagner underscores his immense talent and potential to become a true superstar in the game.