Home / Sports / Pirates Hall of Famer Elroy Face Dies at 97
Pirates Hall of Famer Elroy Face Dies at 97
13 Feb
Summary
- Relief pitcher Elroy Face, a Pirates Hall of Famer, passed away at 97.
- Face held NL records for wins in relief and franchise records for appearances.
- He was a key player in the Pirates' 1960 World Series victory.
Elroy Face, a distinguished relief pitcher and Hall of Famer for the Pittsburgh Pirates, passed away at the age of 97. His death occurred in North Versailles, a suburb of Pittsburgh. Face was a significant figure in the Pirates' 1960 World Series victory, earning the nickname "Baron of the Bullpen."
Throughout his career, Face set National League records for most games won in relief, with 96 victories. He also holds franchise records for most appearances with 802 and 188 saves. These achievements cemented his status as a pioneer of modern relief pitching and the closer role.
Face's 1959 season was particularly remarkable, marked by an 18-1 record, boasting the best single-season winning percentage for any major league pitcher with at least 13 appearances since 1900. He was a three-time All-Star from 1959 to 1961.
His performance in the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees was crucial. Face pitched in all four Pirates wins, including key performances in Games 1, 4, and 5. Although he struggled in Game 7, his overall impact on the series was undeniable.
