Three-time MLB All-Star and World Series champion Elroy Face died earlier this month. He was 97.
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Face’s death on X. A New York native, Face spent 15 of his 16 Major League Baseball seasons with the Pirates.
Face, who was nicknamed “The Baron of the Bullpen,” recorded 104 wins and 193 saves over the course of his career. In addition to pitching for the Pirates, he also spent time with the Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos.
He was inducted into the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame in 2023.
Elroy Face was named an All-Star three straight seasons from 1959 to 1961. He helped the Pirates to a World Series title in 1960. His best season came in 1959 when he went 18-1 with a 2.70 ERA.
“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,” Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting said, according to MLB.com. “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.
“Elroy was a pioneer of the modern relief pitcher… and he played a critical role in our 1960 World Series championship, leading the league in appearances and recording three saves against the Yankees.”
Face pitched in a record 802 games for the Pirates. He set the MLB record for most relief wins in one season with his 18 victories in 1959.