The baseball world is mourning the loss of a true pioneer and a Pittsburgh icon. Elroy Face, the legendary relief pitcher who played a pivotal role in the Pittsburgh Pirates' historic 1960 World Series championship, has passed away at the age of 97. Known affectionately as "The Baron of the Bullpen," Face was a three-time All-Star and one of the first pitchers to prove that a relief specialist could be a cornerstone of a championship franchise.
The Legacy of Elroy Face in Pittsburgh
Elroy Face spent 15 of his 16 Major League seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, becoming a fixture at Forbes Field and a fan favorite during one of the most competitive eras of National League baseball. His death marks the passing of one of the last remaining links to the 1960 team that famously upset the New York Yankees in seven games.
Face was more than just a pitcher; he was a revolutionary. At a time when the best pitchers were almost exclusively starters, Face embraced the late-inning pressure. He finished his career with 193 saves—a figure that would be much higher by modern standards—and appeared in 848 games, a testament to his durability and the trust his managers placed in him during high-leverage situations.
Heroics in the 1960 World Series
While Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run in Game 7 is the defining image of the 1960 World Series, the Pirates likely wouldn't have been in a position to win without the steady hand of Elroy Face. In an era where relief pitchers were often expected to throw multiple innings, Face was a workhorse against a powerhouse Yankees lineup featuring Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.
Face appeared in four games during the 1960 Fall Classic, recording saves in Games 1, 4, and 5. His ability to shut down the Yankees' offense in the closing frames allowed the Pirates to stay competitive despite being outscored significantly throughout the series. His three saves in a single World Series remained a record for decades, underscoring his dominance on the sport's biggest stage.
The 18-1 Season and the Master of the Forkball
Before his World Series heroics, Elroy Face put together what remains one of the most statistically mind-boggling seasons in MLB history. In 1959, pitching exclusively out of the bullpen, Face finished the year with an incredible 18-1 record. His .947 winning percentage that season is still the Major League record for a pitcher with at least 15 decisions.
The secret to his success was his devastating forkball. While many pitchers today utilize the split-finger fastball, Face was a master of the traditional forkball, which he used to keep hitters off-balance. The pitch would approach the plate looking like a standard fastball before dropping off the table at the last moment. This weapon allowed the diminutive right-hander (standing just 5'8") to navigate through the heart of opposing lineups with ease.
Redefining the Relief Pitcher Role
The impact of Elroy Face on the game of baseball extends far beyond his win-loss record. He was instrumental in the evolution of the "closer" role. Prior to the late 1950s, relief pitchers were often viewed as secondary options—players who weren't quite good enough to make the starting rotation. Face changed that narrative by showing that a specialist could be just as valuable as a 20-game winner.
- All-Star Recognition: Face was named to the National League All-Star team for three consecutive years (1959, 1960, 1961).
- Longevity: He played until the age of 41, finishing his career with short stints for the Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos.
- Pirates Greatness: He remains the Pirates' all-time leader in games pitched (802) and saves.
Following his retirement from baseball, Face remained a beloved figure in the Pittsburgh community. He was frequently seen at alumni events and remained an ambassador for the game he helped transform. His passing is a significant loss for the Pirates organization and the generations of fans who grew up listening to his exploits on the radio. Elroy Face will forever be remembered as a man who mastered the art of the save long before it was a common statistic, and as a champion who helped bring glory to the City of Bridges.
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