In an 11-season career, Stennett was a .274 batter, with 41 home runs and 432 RBIs in 1,237 games. He was a good contact hitter with occasional power, and an aggressive and smart runner on the basepaths. As a fielder, Stennett had sure hands for fielding balls up the middle, as well as a strong and accurate arm to help complete double plays.\n', '

Early in his career, Stennett played for four minor league teams in the Pirates\' farm system: the Class A Gastonia Pirates (1969), the Class A Salem Rebels (1970), the Triple-A Columbus Jets (1970), and the Triple-A Charleston Charlies (1971). He made his major league debut on July 10, 1971, leading off for the Pirates and going 0-for-4 against the Atlanta Braves. He collected his first major league hits a week later, going 2-for-4 against the San Diego Padres. On September 1, Pittsburgh faced the Phillies with the first major league all-black starting lineup (including some Latin players). Stennett led off the game for the Pirates, who won 10–7.\n', '

In his first three seasons with Pittsburgh, Stennett was used at shortstop and second base. He also played a solid defense at all three outfield positions, with an average arm and great reaction speed. He showed progress in 1973, when he hit 10 home runs and 55 RBIs in 128 games. Following the 1973 season, Pittsburgh traded incumbent second baseman Dave Cash to Philadelphia and gave Stennett the starting job. Batting from the leadoff spot, he responded with a .291 average, 84 runs, 56 RBI, and a career-high 196 hits.\n', '

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