Elroy Face, one of the late-inning reliever pioneers in baseball, died Thursday, the Pirates announced. He was 97.
Face, nicknamed “The Baron of the Bullpen,” emerged as a forerunner for 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 get to know Elroy personally, and I will always be proud that we had the chance 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 critical 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 struggles as a starter at the beginning of his career, Face was moved to the bullpen full-time during the 1956 season, seeing immediate success.
Face, a native of Stephentown, spent 15 seasons in Pittsburgh, racking up 188 saves, the most in franchise history.
The righty held a 3.46 ERA during his Pirates tenure and was named an All-Star during three straight seasons (1959-61).
Face was also a key member of Pittsburgh’s 1960 World Series Championship squad that bested the Yankees in seven games, notching saves in Games 1, 4 and 5.
His most remarkable year came in 1959, when the reliever had an 18-1 record with a 2.70 ERA in 57 appearances, finishing seventh in National League MVP voting.
Face was inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2023 alongside Bob Friend, Kent Tekulve and Dick Groat.
Upon that class being announced, Tekulve credited Face for his impact on the future of relief pitchers.
“At one time, relief pitchers were guys who weren’t good enough to start,” Tekulve said at the time.
“But Elroy Face helped relief pitchers become important members of their team — not just an extra piece.”