The baseball world has lost a true legend. Elroy Face, the pioneering reliever known as the 'Baron of the Bullpen,' has passed away at 97, leaving behind an indelible mark on the sport. But here’s where it gets even more remarkable: Face’s career wasn’t just about longevity—it was about revolutionizing the role of the relief pitcher. And this is the part most people miss: he did it all before the save statistic even existed.
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced his passing with heartfelt tributes, including a statement from chairman Bob Nutting: ‘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.’ Nutting highlighted Face’s pivotal role in the Pirates’ 1960 World Series victory, where he recorded three saves against the powerhouse Yankees. ‘Elroy was a pioneer of the modern relief pitcher,’ Nutting added, ‘and we were honored to induct him into the Pirates Hall of Fame.’
Standing at just 5’8”, Face wasn’t an imposing figure, but his sidearm delivery and devastating forkball made him a force to be reckoned with. His journey began in 1949 with the Phillies organization, but it was Hall of Fame executive Branch Rickey who saw his potential, acquiring him first for the Dodgers and later bringing him to Pittsburgh. Despite a rocky start—including a demotion to Double-A in 1954—Face emerged as a dominant reliever by 1956, leading the majors with 68 appearances that season.
But here’s the controversial part: while Face is celebrated today, his role as a reliever wasn’t always respected during his era. Relief pitchers were often seen as lesser than starters, yet Face’s performance demanded recognition. He led the National League in games finished in four of five seasons between 1958-62 and was retroactively credited with leading the NL in saves three times—including an MLB-high 28 in 1962. His 1.88 ERA that season remains one of the most impressive marks for a reliever in baseball history.
Face’s 1960 World Series heroics are the stuff of legend. In a series that culminated with Bill Mazeroski’s iconic walk-off home run in Game 7, Face was the unsung hero, securing saves in Games 1, 4, and 5. Even in Game 7, despite giving up a go-ahead homer to Yogi Berra, his efforts helped set the stage for Pittsburgh’s historic comeback.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: If Face had pitched in today’s era of specialized closers, would he be even more celebrated? His 186 saves with the Pirates—a franchise record—and his 100+ wins (including an 18-1 record in 1959) suggest he’d thrive in any era. Yet, his legacy extends beyond stats; he redefined what a reliever could achieve.
Face’s career spanned nearly 1400 innings, 877 strikeouts, and a 3.48 ERA. He remained effective into his 30s, adding four sub-3.00 ERA seasons before brief stints with the Tigers and Expos. Today, he remains the Pirates’ all-time leader in pitching appearances (802), games finished (547), and saves (186). His induction into the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2021 was a fitting tribute to a man who changed the game.
As we remember Elroy Face, let’s not just mourn his passing but celebrate his impact. Was he the greatest reliever of his era? Or even of all time? Share your thoughts in the comments—his legacy deserves the debate. Rest in peace, Baron of the Bullpen.
