Roy Face
Elroy Leon Face (February 20, 1928 – February 12, 2026), nicknamed "the Baron of the Bullpen", was an American right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1953 to 1969, almost entirely for the Pittsburgh Pirates, with whom he became a pioneer of modern relief pitching as the archetype of what came to be known as the closer. He was the National League's greatest reliever until the late 1960s, setting numerous league records along the way.
Face played a lead role in the Pirates' dramatic victory over the New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series, when he became the first pitcher to save as many as three games in the Fall Classic. Posting three seasons of 20 or more saves at a time when their statistical requirements were stricter than in later years, he was the first major leaguer to save 20 games more than once, leading the league three times and finishing second three times.
In 1959, Face authored one of the most historic seasons by a pitcher in major league history, setting the still-standing record for win percentage with a minimum of 13 decisions (.947) and single-season wins in relief with 18 wins against one loss. He was not charged with a defeat until his 65th appearance of the season, a 5-4 decision against the Dodgers on Sept. 11 in Los Angeles. The loss was his first after 22 consecutive victories, a streak that dated back to the 1958 season.
Face held the NL record for career games pitched (846) from 1967 until 1986, and the league record for career saves (191) from 1962 until 1982; he still holds the NL record for career wins in relief (96), and he held the league mark for career innings pitched in relief (1,211+1⁄3) until 1983. On his retirement, Face ranked third in major league history in pitching appearances, behind only Hoyt Wilhelm and Cy Young, and second in saves behind Wilhelm. He holds the Pirates franchise records for career games (802) and saves (188).
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