Elroy Faith, Legendary Pirates Reliever, Passes Away at 97

Elroy Faith, a prominent relief pitcher instrumental in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1960 World Series triumph over the New York Yankees, has died at 97, as announced by the team on Thursday.

Interestingly, Faith was just about to turn 98 in a week. Team historian Jim Trudinich shared that Faith’s son, Elroy Jr., reached out to inform the team of his father’s passing earlier that day at an independent senior living center in North Versailles, Pennsylvania. The specific cause of death hasn’t been revealed yet.

“It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Elroy Faith, a Pirates Hall of Famer and beloved member of the Pirates family,” expressed Pirates president Bob Nutting in a statement.

Faith has often been described as a pioneer for modern relief pitching, often referred to as a “bullpen baron.” His contributions were vital in securing the 1960 World Series title.

Over his 16-year career, Faith played in 848 games, with a record of 104 wins and 95 losses, along with a 3.48 ERA. Notably, he only started 27 games yet managed 191 saves, although the save statistic wasn’t officially recognized until 1969.

In 1959, he achieved an impressive 18-1 record with a 2.70 ERA and recorded 10 saves. This was the beginning of three consecutive seasons in which he was honored as an All-Star. He led the National League in saves three times throughout his career.

In 1960, when the underdog Pirates shocked the Yankees—featuring legends like Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra—with Bill Mazeroski’s iconic home run in Game 7 of the World Series, Faith had a pivotal role. He was the standout in the National League after appearing in 68 games that season.

Throughout the World Series, he pitched in relief four times, posting a 5.23 ERA over 10⅓ innings and achieving shutout wins in Games 1, 4, and 5.

This year, he was inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame and holds the franchise record for games played at 802. Team officials noted that if saves had been recorded before 1969, he’d also hold the record for most saves at 188.

Born on February 20, 1928, in Stephentown, New York, Faith is survived by his three children: Michelle, Valerie, and Elroy Jr., along with his sister, Jacqueline.