Elroy Face, one of baseball’s late-inning reliever pioneers, died Thursday, the Pirates announced. He was 97.
Nicknamed “The Baron of the Bullpen,” Face emerged as a precursor to what would later be considered a closer during his 16-year career, which was primarily with the Pirates.
“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 know Elroy personally, and I will always be proud that we had the opportunity to honor him with his induction into the Pirates Hall of Fame.
“Elroy was a pioneer of the modern relief pitcher – the ‘Baron of the Bullpen’ – and he played a pivotal role in our 1960 World Series championship, leading the league in appearances and recording three saves against the Yankees.
“Our thoughts are with his three children – Michelle, Valerie and Elroy Jr. – and his sister Jacqueline.”
After some trouble as a starter early in his career, Face was moved to the bullpen full-time during the 1956 season, where he found immediate success.
A native of Stephentown, Face spent 15 seasons in Pittsburgh and recorded 188 saves, the most in franchise history.
The right-hander had a 3.46 ERA during his Pirates tenure and was named an All-Star for three consecutive seasons (1959-61).
Face was also a key member of Pittsburgh’s 1960 World Series Championship squad, which defeated the Yankees in seven games and recorded saves in Games 1, 4 and 5.
His most notable year came in 1959, when the reliever had an 18-1 record with a 2.70 ERA in 57 appearances and finished seventh in National League MVP voting.
Face was inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2023, along with Bob Friend, Kent Tekulve and Dick Groat.
When that class was announced, Tekulve credited Face for his impact on the future of relief pitchers.
“It used to be that relief pitchers were guys who weren’t good enough to start,” Tekulve said at the time.
“But Elroy Face has helped relief pitchers become important members of their team – not just an extra piece.”
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