Pittsburgh Pirates mourn as legendary reliever Elroy Face passes away at senior living facility near Pittsburgh

Baseball fans across the country are mourning the loss of Elroy Face, the All-Star reliever who helped the Pittsburgh Pirates pull off one of the most iconic upsets in World Series history against the New York Yankees in 1960.

Face passed away just eight days shy of his 98th birthday at a senior living facility in North Versailles, Pennsylvania.

His family, led by his son Elroy Jr., confirmed the news, though no cause of death was shared.

A Hero of the 1960 World Series

Face’s name is forever linked to the dramatic 1960 World Series.

He appeared in four critical games, all of which were tight Pittsburgh victories.

While he gave up home runs to Yankees legends Elston Howard and Yogi Berra, he still managed three saves over 10.1 innings, cementing his role as a reliable bullpen force.

Most famously, the series ended in Game 7 with Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run, one of the most memorable moments in baseball history.

The “Baron of the Bullpen” Legacy

Known as the “Baron of the Bullpen,” Face was a pioneer of modern relief pitching.

Pirates chairman Bob Nutting praised him for shaping the role of relievers in the game and for being a central figure in Pittsburgh’s championship team.

Face’s career stats are impressive: six All-Star selections, a 104-95 win-loss record, a 3.48 ERA across 16 seasons, and 191 saves—before saves were even an official statistic.

Records and Career Highlights

Face’s 1959 season was legendary. He went 18-1 with a 2.70 ERA, setting the major league record for relief wins in a season.

He also holds the National League record for career relief wins with 96.

By the time of his retirement, he had appeared in 848 games, mostly as a reliever, and finished 61 games in 1960 alone.

In 2023, he was honored with induction into the Pirates Hall of Fame, where he also holds the franchise record for career appearances with 802.

A Life Beyond the Mound

Born on February 20, 1928, in Stephentown, New York, Face leaves behind three children—Michelle, Valerie, and Elroy Jr.—and his sister Jacqueline.

Beyond the numbers, teammates and fans remember him for his competitive spirit, leadership, and humility.

In recent months, the Pirates have also seen the passing of other pitching greats, including Wilbur Wood and Dave Giusti, marking a somber period for baseball’s older generation of stars.

Remembering the Impact on Baseball

Elroy Face’s influence stretches beyond Pittsburgh.

He transformed how teams value relievers, showing that a dominant bullpen arm could decide championships.

Today’s closers and middle relievers owe part of their role’s prominence to trailblazers like Face.

For fans of the game, he represents an era when grit, consistency, and clutch performances defined baseball.

What’s Next?

The Pirates are planning a tribute to honor Face’s life and career later this season.

Fans and former teammates are expected to gather to celebrate his legacy at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Baseball historians continue to analyze his impact, noting that if official saves stats had existed before 1969, Face would likely hold the franchise record for saves with 188.

Summary

Elroy Face, Hall of Fame reliever for the Pittsburgh Pirates, passed away just before his 98th birthday.

He played a pivotal role in the 1960 World Series upset against the New York Yankees, revolutionized relief pitching, and left a lasting legacy on the game.

Survived by three children and a sister, Face will be remembered for his skill, leadership, and enduring impact on baseball history.