American baseball relief pitcher
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Key moments and achievements from Roy Face's life.
Roy was born
· North Versailles, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Career Milestone
Roy Face made his Major League Baseball debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1953, beginning a career that would span 16 seasons almost entirely with the franchise. The right-handed relief pitcher would go on to revolutionize the art of closing games.
Career Milestone
Roy Face made his Major League Baseball debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1953, beginning a career that would span 16 seasons almost entirely with the franchise. The right-handed relief pitcher would go on to revolutionize the art of closing games.
Innovation
Face developed his signature forkball pitch, which became his most devastating weapon. Standing only 5 feet 7 inches and 150 pounds, the sidearm pitcher used the forkball to confound hitters throughout his career and made the pitch famous in baseball circles.
Innovation
Face developed his signature forkball pitch, which became his most devastating weapon. Standing only 5 feet 7 inches and 150 pounds, the sidearm pitcher used the forkball to confound hitters throughout his career and made the pitch famous in baseball circles.
Career Record
In 1959, Face authored one of the most historic pitching seasons in major league history, going 18-1 to set the still-standing record for win percentage (.947) with a minimum of 13 decisions. His 18 relief wins also set the single-season record for a reliever.
Career Record
In 1959, Face authored one of the most historic pitching seasons in major league history, going 18-1 to set the still-standing record for win percentage (.947) with a minimum of 13 decisions. His 18 relief wins also set the single-season record for a reliever.
Career Achievement
Face served as the archetype of what came to be known as the closer, pioneering modern relief pitching. His combination of the forkball with sidearm delivery and fearless competitiveness established the template for dominant relievers in the decades that followed.
Career Achievement
Face served as the archetype of what came to be known as the closer, pioneering modern relief pitching. His combination of the forkball with sidearm delivery and fearless competitiveness established the template for dominant relievers in the decades that followed.
Career Achievement
Face played a lead role in the Pirates' dramatic 1960 World Series victory over the New York Yankees, becoming the first pitcher to save as many as three games in a Fall Classic. His clutch performances helped the underdog Pirates claim one of baseball's most memorable championships.
Career Achievement
Face played a lead role in the Pirates' dramatic 1960 World Series victory over the New York Yankees, becoming the first pitcher to save as many as three games in a Fall Classic. His clutch performances helped the underdog Pirates claim one of baseball's most memorable championships.
Career Record
Face held the National League record for career games pitched (846) from 1967 until 1986, the league record for career saves (191) from 1962 until 1982, and still holds the NL record for career wins in relief (96). He was the National League's greatest reliever at the time of his retirement.
Career Record
Face held the National League record for career games pitched (846) from 1967 until 1986, the league record for career saves (191) from 1962 until 1982, and still holds the NL record for career wins in relief (96). He was the National League's greatest reliever at the time of his retirement.
Roy Face passed away
