 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (July 2015) |
| Roy Face | |
|---|---|
 Face in 1966 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: February 20, 1928 Stephentown, New York, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 16, 1953, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| August 15, 1969, for the Montreal Expos | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 104–95 |
| Earned run average | 3.48 |
| Strikeouts | 877 |
| Saves | 193 |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Elroy Leon Face (born February 20, 1928), nicknamed "the Baron of the Bullpen",[a] is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. During a 16-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career, he pitched primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates. A pioneer of modern relief pitching, he was the archetype of what came to be known as the closer, and the National League's greatest reliever until the late 1960s, setting numerous league records during his career.
Face was the first major leaguer to save 20 games more than once, leading the league three times and finishing second three times; in 1959 he set the still-standing major league record for winning percentage with a minimum of 13 decisions (.947), and single-season wins in relief, with 18 wins against only one loss. He held the NL record for career games pitched (846) from 1967 until 1986, and the league record for career saves (193) 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).
- ^ Abrams, Al (May 5, 1966). "Sidelights on Sports: The Baron Fools 'Em All". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. p. 35. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
- ^ Feeney, Charley (September 2, 1968). "Face Becomes an Insurance Man (For Detroit's Pennant Hopes)". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 69. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
- ^ Hernon, Jack (May 18, 1959). "Bucs, Cubs Hit 10 Hrs, Split Twin Bill; Pirates Win, 5–4, Then Lose, 7–6". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 24. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
- ^ Reichler, Joe (April 5, 1950). "Can't Count Out Cards With Musial in Lineup". The Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 29. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
- ^ AP (April 5, 1950). "As Long as Cards Have Musial, They Have Hope; Bilko Fills Bilko, But Not the Bill". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. p. 19. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
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