Elroy Face, the groundbreaking relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who played a pivotal role in the team’s stunning 1960 World Series victory, died on Thursday at the age of 97. He passed away at an independent living facility near Pittsburgh, just days before what would have been his 98th birthday. Face’s career helped shape the modern closer role, marking him as an influential figure in baseball history.
Recognized as The Baron of the Bullpen, Face was a trailblazer in relief pitching long before the closer position was widely established. His death signifies the conclusion of a significant chapter in Pirates baseball and the sport overall.
Elroy was a pioneer of the modern relief pitcher and played a critical role in our 1960 World Series championship,
Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement.
It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the passing of this beloved member of the Pirates family.
Early Career and Rise to Baseball Prominence
At 5-foot-8, Elroy Face did not fit the physical mold of a typical baseball star, but his unique sidearm delivery combined with a devastating forkball made him a formidable opponent for hitters. Over 16 seasons in Major League Baseball, Face compiled an impressive 104-95 record, maintaining a 3.48 earned run average.
His breakout year came in 1959 when he achieved an extraordinary 18-1 record as a reliever, a Major League record for wins in relief that remains unbroken. That season, he also posted a strong 2.70 ERA, solidifying his position as the National League’s premier relief pitcher.
Born in upstate New York, Face started his professional career in 1949 with the Phillies organization. His talent caught the attention of Hall of Fame executive Branch Rickey, who first brought him into the Dodgers system and later to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1952.
Elroy Face’s Impact During the 1960 World Series
Face’s most celebrated moment came during the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees, a team stacked with legends including Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Whitey Ford. The Pirates’ unexpected championship remains one of the greatest upsets in baseball lore.
In that intense series, Face was a key contributor, recording saves in Games 1, 4, and 5 to keep the Pirates competitive. Although he faltered in Game 7 by allowing Yogi Berra’s go-ahead home run, Face’s earlier performances set the stage for Pittsburgh’s historic comeback.
The series famously ended with Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run at Forbes Field, the only Game 7 walk-off homer in World Series history, a moment made possible by the efforts of Face and his teammates.
During the 1960 season, Face led the National League with 68 appearances and 61 games finished, proving to be a vital workhorse in the Pirates bullpen that helped the team claim the pennant against all odds.
Consistent Excellence Throughout His Career
Elroy Face’s influence extended well beyond the 1960 championship season. Between 1958 and 1962, he led the National League in games finished four times and was retroactively credited with leading in saves three times, although saves were not officially recorded during most of his career.
He consistently demonstrated elite pitching, achieving ERAs below 3.00 in four seasons and posting a career-best 1.88 ERA in 1962. His exceptional performances earned him a place on MVP ballots three years running, an uncommon honor for relief pitchers at the time.
Face’s career statistics highlight his significance to Pirates history: he holds franchise records for appearances (802), games finished (547), and saves (186). Over 16 seasons, Face pitched in 848 games, with only 27 starts. His 191 saves and 96 relief wins in the National League were once league-leading records.
Known for his forkball specialty, Face struck out 877 batters across nearly 1,400 innings of mound work, showcasing his durability and skill.
In 2023, Face was inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting legacy with the team that defined most of his career. He spent his final professional years with Detroit and Montreal in 1968 and 1969.
Legacy and Family Remember Elroy Face
Elroy Face is survived by his three children—Michelle, Valerie, and Elroy Jr.—as well as his sister Jacqueline. Beyond his impressive career statistics and contributions to the sport, Face is remembered as a true gentleman whose influence helped evolve the role of relief pitching.
The legacy of The Baron of the Bullpen remains deeply embedded in Pittsburgh baseball history and the broader game, serving as a reminder of how a determined, smaller-statured player with tremendous skill and heart can alter the course of baseball greatness.
