As a member of the Indianapolis Indians American Association franchise, Pilney played outfield in 68 games, and batted .261 with eight doubles.

On July 14, 1938 he appeared with the Indians in the first-ever All-Star game to be played at Perry Stadium in Indianapolis; batting for starting pitcher Vance Page, he struck out.

[2] His final game at Tulane on November 25, 1961 resulted in a 62–0 loss to rival LSU at Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Pilney's successor, Tommy O'Boyle, also lost his final game at the helm of the Green Wave in 1965 to LSU by the same score, 62–0 in Baton Rouge.

Following his departure from Tulane, Pilney continued to live in the New Orleans area, in the Jefferson Parish suburb of Metairie.