Strief 's home run came five years before the Pirates ( then called the Pittsburgh Alleghenys ) entered the National League .
On May 3 , 1882 , Strief hit the first - ever home run in Pittsburgh Pirates history .
Strief 's home run came five years before the Pittsburgh Pirates ( then called the Pittsburgh Pirates   ) entered the National League .
On May 3 , 1882 , Strief hit the first - ever home run in Pittsburgh Pirates history .