Bierbauer jumped Philadelphia's
American Association club to join the Players' League
in 1890. When the PL folded, players were supposed to rejoin their previous clubs.
Pittsburgh became known as the Pirates when they swiped Bierbauer from Philadelphia
through a clerical error in 1891. Bierbauer tied a then-ML record with 12 putouts
at 2B in an 1888 game. In 10 years as a regular, he led his league's second basemen
in assists five times.
(ME)