The Pittsburgh Alleghenys purchased Jake Beckley's contract in 1888, and it was in Pittsburgh where he became a star.

The First Baseman was solid in his first two years, batting over .300, but like many other National League players, Beckley bolted for the Players League in 1991, staying in the Steel City with the Burghers.  To Beckley’s credit, he was open about his decision, citing that he was “only in this game for the money."  The Players League was a bust, and Beckley returned to National League.

After a decent 1891, “Eagle Eye” slumped to poor levels in 1892 (.236/.288/.381), Beckley rebounded batting over .300 the nest three seasons with his netting over 100 RBI in all of those seasons.  After getting off to a poor start in 1896, Beckley was traded to New York, ending his stay in Pittsburgh.

With Pittsburgh, Beckley smacked 1,140 of his 2,938 career Hits while batting .300.  The Baseball Hall of Fame inducted Beckley via the Veteran's Committee in 1971.

Jake Beckley was a solid hitter for Pittsburgh teams (National League and Player’s League) for a decade before he was traded to the New York Giants in 1896.  The First Baseman slumped in 1897 and after he was released, he signed with Cincinnati where his career was resurrected.