Elroy Face, the pioneering Pittsburgh Pirates reliever known as the 'Baron of the Bullpen,' has died at age 97. The team announced Face's passing Thursday after being contacted by his son, Elroy Jr., who said his father died earlier in the day at a senior living facility outside Pittsburgh. Face was eight days shy of his 98th birthday.

A six-time All-Star, Face revolutionized the role of relief pitching during his 16-year career, primarily with Pittsburgh from 1953 to 1968. He posted a 104-95 record with a 3.48 ERA in 848 games, saving 191 career games despite the statistic not becoming official until his final season. His 1959 campaign remains legendary, going 18-1 with a 2.70 ERA to set the major league record for relief wins in a single season.

Face's most famous moment came during the 1960 World Series when he saved three games to help the underdog Pirates upset the mighty New York Yankees. He made four relief appearances in that series, closing out victories in Games 1, 4, and 5. The Pirates honored Face's legacy by inducting him into their Hall of Fame in 2023, recognizing him as the franchise leader in appearances with 802.