Tanner had been working as a scout with the Cleveland Indians and was a major league manager with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland A's, Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves. He managed the Pirates from 1977 to 1985 compiling a record of 711-685 and guided the Pirates to their last World Series championship in 1979.
I'm pleased to be back with the Pirates," Tanner said. "I feel that I can help the team with my input - I'm very happy."
Tanner also likes the new baseball operations team that Huntington has put in place with Greg Smith as Director of Scouting, Kyle Stark as Director of Player Development and promoting Bryan Minniti to Director of Baseball Operations.
"I like what they have done - Smith has a good track record," Tanner stated. "Stark I know from Cleveland and he is a sharp young guy and I like Minniti. I like the staff they've put together."
“We feel very fortunate to be able to bring Chuck Tanner back to the Pirates family,” said Huntington.
“He has a strong passion for the Pirates organization, the city of Pittsburgh and the game of baseball.
His years of experience, positive attitude and vast knowledge of the game will be an asset for me personally,
as well as the entire Baseball Operations department.”