Elroy Face, Pirates Legend and 1960 World Series Hero, Dies at 97

Legendary Pittsburgh Pirates reliever and 1960 World Series hero Elroy Face passes away at 97, leaving a lasting legacy in baseball history.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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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. 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.

Why it matters

Elroy Face's death signifies the conclusion of a significant chapter in Pirates baseball and the sport overall. As a pioneer of the modern relief pitcher, Face played a critical role in the Pirates' 1960 World Series championship, one of the greatest upsets in baseball history.

The details

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.

  • Elroy Face passed away on Thursday, just days before what would have been his 98th birthday.
  • In 1959, Face achieved an 18-1 record as a reliever, a Major League record for wins in relief that remains unbroken.
  • Face's most celebrated moment came during the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees.
  • In 2023, Face was inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame.

The players

Elroy Face

Legendary Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher who played a pivotal role in the team's 1960 World Series victory and helped shape the modern closer role.

Bob Nutting

Pittsburgh Pirates chairman who mourned the passing of this beloved member of the Pirates family.

Branch Rickey

Hall of Fame executive who first brought Elroy Face into the Dodgers system and later to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1952.

Mickey Mantle

New York Yankees legend who faced off against Elroy Face and the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1960 World Series.

Yogi Berra

New York Yankees legend who faced off against Elroy Face and the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1960 World Series.

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What they’re saying

“Elroy was a pioneer of the modern relief pitcher and played a critical role in our 1960 World Series championship.”

— Bob Nutting, Pittsburgh Pirates chairman

The takeaway

Elroy Face's legacy as a trailblazing relief pitcher and his pivotal role in the Pirates' 1960 World Series victory cement his place as an influential figure in baseball history, whose impact on the modern closer role and the sport as a whole will be long-lasting.