Bill Virdon was a professional in every sense of the word.

The former Pittsburgh Pirate outfielder, manager and coach died a few days ago at the age of 90. He fell victim to one of the most unjust firings, in my view, in baseball history.

Virdon was a coach on Danny Murtaugh's staff in 1971 when the latter led the Bucs to a World Series championship. Murtaugh resigned after that season due to failing health and Virdon took over as skipper.

He guided the Pirates to the NL East Division championship in 1972, the team coming hauntingly close to a return to the World Series. Pittsburgh took a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning of the fifth and deciding game of the NLCS.

Johnny Bench led off that frame with a home run against Dave Giusti that tied the game. Bob Moose later uncorked a wild pitch, enabling Cincinnati to plate the winning run from third base.

Virdon and the Pirates faced many challenges in 1973. Roberto Clemente was killed in the plane crash over New Year's, of course. Ace pitcher Steve Blass inexplicably lost control of his pitches and did virtually nothing the entire season.

Dock Ellis, the Bucs' other ace, fought injuries that season.

The Pirates were 67-69, below. 500, but in the heat of the NL East Division race with 26 games left in the regular season. The Pirates canned Virdon, brought Murtaugh back, and finished that season 80-82, missing out on the division title.

Virdon went on to prove his value as a big league manager with other organizations. He was American League Manager of the Year with the New York Yankees in 1974. He was National League Manager of the Year with the Houston Astros in 1980.

And despite the odd timing of his dismissal from the Pirates, he never turned his back on the organization. He easily could have.

Virdon returned to the Pirates as a coach in 1986, when Jim Leyland took over as skipper. He was also a coach with the Bucs from 1992-95, helping the team capture the division crown in 1992.

Virdon transcended a lot of Pirate history. He was a teammate of Clemente and Willie Stargell. He coached Barry Bonds, Jason Kendall and Brian Giles. He even hit Andrew McCutchen fly balls and ground balls in spring training at a time Virdon was advanced in years.

In this day and age, loyalty in pro sports rarely happens like Virdon. Guys like him and Steve Blass were so dedicated to the Pirate organization.

Virdon was a Gold Glove center fielder as well. He played a key role on the 1960 Pirates championship team, besides serving as a coach in 1971 and 1992.

Virdon and his wife, Shirley, were married 70 years. He was loyal in that regard, too.

Rest in peace, Bill. Your character as a person should never be forgotten.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle.