The Gastonia Pirates were a minor league baseball team, based in Gastonia, North Carolina, between 1959 and 1972. The club was a Class-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates and played primarily in the Western Carolinas League. The club was originally named the Columbus Pirates prior to 1959 and were based in Columbus, Georgia, as a member of the South Atlantic League. On July 6, 1959 the Pirates moved to Gastonia and became the Gastonia Pirates. In 1960 the Pirates were not an affiliate of the Gastonia team and the void was filled by the Gastonia Rippers in the Western Carolinas League. After the Pirates folded after the 1972 season, the Gastonia Rangers, an affiliate of the Texas Rangers became the city's representative in the Western Carolinas League. Season-by-season * Columbus Pirates moved to Gastonia on July 6, 1959 Notable alumni Tony Armas (1972) 2 x MLB All-Star Dave Cash (1967) 3 x MLB All-Star Bob Moose (1966) Omar Moreno (1972) 2 x NL Stolen Base Leader (1978-1979) Al Oliver (1965) 7 x MLB All-Star; 1982 AL Batting Title Freddie Patek (1966) 3 x MLB All-Star Craig Reynolds (1972) 2 x MLB All-Star Bob Robertson (1965) Rennie Stennett (1969) Frank Taveras (1969-1970) 1977 NL Stolen Base Leader Milt May (1969) Richie Zisk (1968) 2 x MLB All-Star References Defunct minor league baseball teams Defunct Western Carolinas League teams South Atlantic League (1904–1963) teams Pittsburgh Pirates minor league affiliates Professional baseball teams in North Carolina 1959 establishments in North Carolina 1972 disestablishments in North Carolina Defunct South Atlantic League teams Gastonia, North Carolina