#347 Roy Face

Here's veteran forkballer Roy Face showing off his farmer's tan. You can also see his jersey number (26) written on the strap of his glove. Pretty neat, huh? I think the Pirates really dropped the ball by not having a giveaway day to honor him. They could have passed out paper masks with his likeness at the gate, so that everyone could put on their Roy Face.

*crickets*

Okay, on with...

Fun facts about Roy Face:

-Signed by the Phillies in 1949, but drafted away from them by Branch Rickey of the Dodgers in 1950. Two years later, Rickey was with the Pirates and drafted Face again, and he made his major league debut the following April.

-Had his first 20-save season at age 30 in 1958; from that point forward, evolved into one of the first true closers.

-Went 18-1 with 10 saves and a 2.70 ERA in 1959, setting records for wins by a reliever and winning percentage in a minimum of 15 decisions (.947). Earned his first of three consecutive All-Star selections. Won his first 17 decisions after winning five straight to close out the previous year.

-With 24 saves in 1960, became the first pitcher ever to post 20 or more saves in two different seasons.

-Saved three of Pittsburgh's four wins in the thrilling 1960 World Series, despite allowing six Yankee runs in ten and two-thirds innings. He was the first pitcher to ever save three games in the Fall Classic.

-Topped all National League pitchers in saves in three seasons: 1958 (20), 1961 (17), and 1962 (28). Also posted a personal-best 1.88 ERA in 1962.

-Set several records that have since been broken, including total saves (MLB), games and innings pitched (NL). His 96 wins in relief are still a National League record.

-No other pitcher in Pirates history has surpassed his 802 appearances and 188 saves for the franchise.

-Worked as a carpenter after retiring, and currently lives in North Versailles, PA.