In 1978, Pirates legend Willie Stargell originated the practice of giving his teammates embroidered "stars" for their black-and-yellow caps upon an outstanding play or an excellent game. 11.5 games behind Philadelphia in mid-August, the Pirates would rally to force a dramatic four-game showdown against the Phillies in Pittsburgh, and although the Bucs lost the pennant by a game and a half, Stargell called the '78 Pirates his favorite team ever, and predicted that Pittsburgh would win the World Series the following year.