The Pittsburgh Pirates are assured of a losing record for the 17th consecutive season after losing 4-2 on Monday. The string of losing seasons is a major league record and the longest for any team in the four major North American pro team sports. Only the Phillies (1933-48) have had as many as 16 losing seasons in a row. The Pirates won five World Series from 1909-79 and sent 13 players to the Hall of Fame, but did not mention the dubious record.