[2] Following World War II, Traynor was often cited as the greatest third baseman in major league history.

In recent years his renown has diminished, with the modern-era careers of third basemen including Mathews, Brooks Robinson, Mike Schmidt and George Brett moving to the forefront in the memories of baseball fans;[3][4][5] however, he is still widely regarded as the top third baseman in the National League prior to 1950.

[6] He received his nickname as a child in Somerville, Massachusetts, because he frequented a grocery store and often asked for pie.

[7][8] Traynor began his professional baseball career in 1920 as a shortstop for the Portsmouth Truckers of the Virginia League.

[10] Traynor made his major league debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates at the age of 21 on September 15, 1920, appearing in 17 games that season.

[1] Following the advice of Rogers Hornsby, he began using a heavier bat in 1923 and blossomed into one of the best hitters in the National League (NL) .

[1][6] With tutoring provided by teammate Rabbit Maranville, his defense also began to improve, leading National League third basemen in putouts and assists.

[1][16] In November of that year, members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America selected him as the third baseman for the 1927 all-star major league team.

[18] In 1933 MLB held its inaugural All-Star Game and, Traynor was selected as a reserve player for the NL team.

[1][21] During the 1934 season, his throwing arm was injured in a play at home plate and his defense began to suffer as a result.

[6] Traynor finished in the top ten in voting for the NL's MVP Award six times during his career.

[28] Traynor almost won another pennant, as a manager in 1938, as the Pirates led the NL for most of the season before faltering to the Chicago Cubs in the famous "Homer in the Gloamin'" game at Wrigley Field.

[6] After spending time as a scout for the Pirates, Traynor eventually took a job as a sports director for a Pittsburgh radio station in 1944.

[2] In 1969, as part of the observance of the centennial of professional baseball, Traynor was named the third baseman on MLB's all-time team.