Former Pirates GM Joe L. Brown dies at 91

[madinmaryland]

PITTSBURGH -- Joe L. Brown, the general manager whose shrewd trading and expert rebuilding of the Pittsburgh Pirates' farm system resulted in two World Series championships, died after an extended illness. He was 91.

He died Sunday in Albuquerque, N.M., the team said Monday. Less than two months ago, he attended a reunion of the 1960 Pirates.

"As the architect behind the 1960 and 1971 World Series teams, we were honored that Joe was able to return to Pittsburgh in June to help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1960 team," team president Frank Coonelly said in a statement. "The ovation he received prior to the game was a special moment for Joe and his family."

Brown, the son of famed comedian Joe E. Brown, succeeded Branch Rickey as the Pirates' general manager following a last-place season in 1955. He stayed on the job through 1976, a span in which the Pirates won the 1960 and 1971 World Series and five NL East titles after division play began in 1969.

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Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/16/AR2010081604253.html

RIP.