Elroy Face, the iconic All-Star relief pitcher whose crucial performances helped the Pittsburgh Pirates secure a stunning victory over the New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series, has died at the age of 97. His passing occurred just eight days before what would have been his 98th birthday.
Pirates Confirm the Loss of a Legend
The Pittsburgh Pirates organisation has officially confirmed Face's death. Team historian Jim Trdinich revealed that the club was contacted by Face's son, Elroy Jr., who informed them that the former pitcher died earlier in the day at an independent senior living facility located outside Pittsburgh in North Versailles, Pennsylvania. No specific cause of death was provided at this time.
A Pivotal Role in a Historic Championship
Elroy Face made four critical appearances during the 1960 World Series, each one contributing to narrow Pittsburgh victories. Although he surrendered home runs to Yankees sluggers Elston Howard and Yogi Berra, Face demonstrated remarkable resilience, earning three saves across 10.1 innings of work.
That legendary World Series famously concluded in dramatic fashion during the ninth inning of Game 7, when Pittsburgh's Bill Mazeroski hit a walk-off home run against New York reliever Ralph Terry, sealing the championship for the Pirates.
Tributes from the Pirates Organisation
Team chairman Bob Nutting issued a heartfelt statement, saying, '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. Elroy was a pioneer of the modern relief pitcher — the "Baron of the Bullpen" — and he played a critical role in our 1960 World Series championship.'
A Storied Career and Lasting Legacy
Selected to six All-Star teams during his illustrious career, Face compiled a record of 104-95 with a 3.48 ERA over 16 major league seasons. He played primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1953 to 1968, with brief stints at the Detroit Tigers in 1968 and the Montreal Expos in 1969.
Face pitched in an impressive 848 games, starting only 27, and amassed 191 career saves. It is important to note that saves did not become an official statistic until 1969, meaning many of his achievements were recorded before formal recognition.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Despite standing at just 5 feet 8 inches tall, Face became one of the most prolific relief pitchers of the 1960s. He holds the National League record for wins in relief with 96 and set the major league mark for relief wins in a single season after posting an extraordinary 18-1 record with a 2.70 ERA in 1959.
In 1960, he led the National League with 68 appearances and 61 games finished. Inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2023, Face remains the club's career leader in appearances with 802. The team has noted that if saves had been an official statistic before 1969, he would also hold the franchise record with 188 saves.
A Recent Series of Losses for Baseball
Face's death follows the recent passing of several other notable pitchers. Wilbur Wood, best known for his years with the Chicago White Sox, died at age 84 last month in Burlington, Massachusetts. Earlier in January, reliever Dave Giusti also passed away at the age of 86.
Personal Life and Survivors
Elroy Face was born in Stephentown, New York, on February 20, 1928. According to the Pirates, he is survived by his three children, Michelle, Valerie, and Elroy Jr., as well as his sister Jacqueline. His legacy as a pioneering figure in baseball and a key architect of one of the sport's most memorable championships will endure for generations to come.
