Baseball has lost one of its most legendary figures. Elroy Face, the trailblazing reliever who helped the Pittsburgh Pirates stun the world in the 1960 World Series, has passed away at 97. Just eight days shy of his 98th birthday, Face's death was confirmed by his son, Elroy Jr., who informed the Pirates organization. While no cause of death was provided, his legacy as a pioneer of the modern bullpen role remains unshakable.
But here's where it gets fascinating: Face wasn't just any reliever—he was the Baron of the Bullpen, a nickname that perfectly captures his dominance. Standing at just 5-foot-8, he defied expectations by becoming a six-time All-Star and compiling a remarkable 104-95 record with a 3.48 ERA over 16 seasons. And this is the part most people miss: while saves weren’t officially tracked until 1969, Face’s 191 career saves would have made him a record-holder if they had been.
Face’s heroics in the 1960 World Series are the stuff of legend. The Pirates, considered underdogs against the powerhouse New York Yankees, leaned heavily on Face’s arm. He saved three crucial games (Games 1, 4, and 5), setting the stage for Bill Mazeroski’s iconic walk-off home run in Game 7. Though his Series ERA was a less-than-stellar 5.23, his impact was undeniable.
Controversially, some argue that Face’s contributions have been overshadowed by Mazeroski’s moment. Is it fair that one swing often overshadows the bullpen brilliance that kept the Pirates alive? It’s a debate worth having, especially when you consider Face’s staggering 96 relief wins—a National League record that still stands. His 18-1 record in 1959, with a 2.70 ERA, remains a high-water mark for relievers across the majors.
Inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2023, Face holds the franchise record for appearances (802) and would have led in saves (188) if the stat had existed earlier. Born in Stephentown, New York, on February 20, 1928, he leaves behind three children—Michelle, Valerie, and Elroy Jr.—and his sister Jacqueline.
Pirates chairman Bob Nutting summed it up best: ‘Elroy was a pioneer… and he played a critical role in our 1960 World Series championship.’ His passing marks the end of an era, but his impact on the game will endure. What’s your take? Does Elroy Face deserve more recognition as one of baseball’s greatest relievers? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
