Elroy Face. Image via: Matt Freed/ AP The Pittsburgh Pirates confirmed Thursday that Elroy Face, one of the most important pitchers in franchise history, has died at 97. The Stephentown, New York native passed away in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, eight days before his 98th birthday. With his death, the Pirates lost a Hall of Famer who helped define the role of the modern relief pitcher and played a key part in the club’s 1960 World Series title.Face built his name in high-pressure innings. Known as the “Baron of the Bullpen,” he became a trusted arm in tight games and a steady presence during one of the most memorable championship runs in baseball history.
Elroy Face passes away at 97
The Pirates shared the news in a statement from chairman Bob Nutting. “It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Pirates Hall of Famer Elroy Face, a beloved member of the Pirates family,” Nutting said. “I was fortunate to get to know Elroy personally, and I will always be proud that we had the chance to honor him with his induction into the Pirates Hall of Fame. … Our thoughts are with his three children – Michelle, Valerie and Elroy Jr. – and his sister Jacqueline.”Face spent 15 seasons with the Pirates from 1953 to 1968 and later made brief stops with the Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos. He finished his career with a 104-95 record, a 3.48 ERA and 191 saves across 1,375 innings. He struck out 877 batters and appeared in 848 games, starting only 27. At 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds, he relied on movement and control, most notably a forkball that became his signature pitch.
Who was Elroy Face? Pirates legend’s legacy and more
Elroy Face. Image via: AP/ File
Face holds the National League record for wins in relief with 96 and owns the Pirates franchise record for appearances with 802. He led the league in saves three times and earned three straight All-Star selections from 1959 to 1961.His 1959 season stands among the best ever by a reliever. Face went 18-1 with a 2.70 ERA and a .947 winning percentage. The following year, he recorded 24 saves and three more in the World Series as the Pirates defeated the New York Yankees in seven games.In 2023, the Pirates inducted him into their Hall of Fame, honoring a pitcher who helped build the closer role long before the save became an official statistic.