Harding “Pete” Peterson, general manager of the Pirates’ last World Series-winning team, has died. He was 89.
Peterson died Tuesday, according to his obituary on nj.com. No cause of death was given.
Peterson was the Pirates’ general manager from 1977-85, taking over when Joe L. Brown retired. Ironically, Brown returned to the job on an interim basis in ’85 when Peterson was fired early in the season.
The Pirates won the World Series in 1979, beating the Orioles in seven games. It was the only time they reached the postseason during Peterson’s tenure. The Pirates fell all the way to 57-104 in 1985.
A catcher, Peterson helped lead Rutgers to the College World Series in 1950. The Pirates signed him following the Scarlet Knights’ appearance in Omaha.
Peterson reached the major leagues in 1955 and played in 65 games over four seasons, all with the Pirates, hitting .273/.344/.391 with three home runs.
He managed in the Pirates’ farm system for eight years from 1959-67, reaching Triple-A Columbus, following his retirement as a player. He then had an eight-year stint as the organization’s farm director before ascending to GM.
Peterson was also the Yankees’ GM for one season in 1990.