Roy Leon Face

Elroy "Roy" Leon Face, a pioneering relief pitcher renowned as "the Baron of the Bullpen" and a key member of the 1960 World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates, passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 97. Face, who redefined the role of the closer in baseball, died in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, just days before his 98th birthday. His remarkable career spanned 16 Major League Baseball seasons, primarily with the Pirates, where he left an indelible mark on the sport.

Born on February 20, 1928, in Stephentown, New York, Face served in the U.S. Army before embarking on his professional baseball journey. He made his Major League debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1953 and quickly became known for his distinctive forkball, a pitch he developed in the minor leagues that became his signature. His consistent performance and innovative approach to relief pitching established him as one of the National League's greatest relievers of his era.

Face's most celebrated season came in 1959 when he achieved an astonishing 18-1 win-loss record, setting a still-standing major league record for winning percentage (.947) with a minimum of 13 decisions. He was a six-time All-Star, earning selections from 1959 to 1961, including both All-Star Games in 1959. His contributions were instrumental in the Pirates' unexpected victory over the New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series, where he recorded three saves.

Throughout his career, Face set numerous league and franchise records, including the National League record for career wins in relief (96) and the Pirates' franchise records for career games (802) and saves (188). He led the NL in saves three times, with a career-high 28 saves in 1962. After his final MLB appearance in 1969 with the Montreal Expos, Face transitioned to a full-time carpentry career, a trade he practiced during off-seasons.

In recognition of his enduring legacy and impact on the game, Roy Face was inducted into the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame in 2023. He is remembered not only for his statistical achievements but also for his pioneering spirit in shaping the modern role of the relief pitcher. His passing marks the end of an era for a beloved figure in baseball history.