Pirates Hall of Famer Elroy Face Dies at 97

The six-time All-Star and 1960 World Series champion was a pioneering relief pitcher for the Pirates.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Pirates announced the passing of former All-Star reliever Elroy Face at the age of 97. Face played 16 seasons in the major leagues, 15 of them with the Pirates, and was a key part of the team's 1960 World Series championship team. He was a six-time All-Star and the franchise's all-time leader in pitching appearances, games finished, and saves.

Why it matters

Elroy Face was a trailblazer for the modern relief pitcher role, leading the league in appearances multiple times and recording a then-MLB high 28 saves in 1962. His contributions to the Pirates' iconic 1960 World Series victory cemented his legacy as a Pittsburgh sports legend.

The details

Face, a sidearming right-hander known for his forkball, emerged as a favorite of executive Branch Rickey and joined the Pirates in 1952. He had a breakout season in 1956, leading the majors with 68 appearances, and went on to be a dominant force out of the bullpen for the Pirates throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s. In the 1960 World Series, Face recorded three saves against the Yankees to help the Pirates win the championship.

  • Face began his career in the Phillies organization in 1949.
  • He was acquired by the Pirates in the 1952-53 offseason.
  • Face led the majors in appearances in 1956 with 68.
  • He led the National League in games finished in four of five seasons between 1958-62.
  • Face was retroactively credited as the NL saves leader in 1958 (20) and 1962 (28).

The players

Elroy Face

A six-time All-Star and 1960 World Series champion who spent 15 of his 16 MLB seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a pioneering relief pitcher known for his forkball and sidearming delivery.

Branch Rickey

The Hall of Fame executive who acquired Face for the Pirates in the 1952-53 offseason after previously having him in the Dodgers organization.

Bob Nutting

The current chairman of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who honored Face by inducting him into the team's Hall of Fame.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Bob Nutting, Chairman, Pittsburgh Pirates (Pittsburgh Pirates)

The takeaway

Elroy Face's pioneering career as a dominant relief pitcher and his key role in the Pirates' 1960 World Series championship solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history. His passing is a significant loss for the Pittsburgh baseball community.