"One hundred games into the 1987 season, things seemed bleak for the Pirates. They were in the midst of a weeklong losing streak and stuck in last place in the NL East.

But over the final 62 games, the Pirates were eight games over .500, including a 19-8 finish. That was the launching pad for a second-place finish in 1988, followed by three consecutive division titles from 1990-92.

One hundred games into the 1997 season, things looked good for the Pirates. Despite a $9 million payroll, the "Freak Show" team spent 32 days in first place, went 30-32 down the stretch and finished five games behind Houston for the NL Central crown.

The unexpected success fueled hopes for another pennant chase in 1998. Instead, the Pirates sunk back to last place and pretty much have stayed there since."