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mchenrycards
Featured Contributor, Vintage Corner, Senior Membe
Today's photo of the day features Pirates pitcher Elroy Face in a cool time lapse photo that was done sometime in the 1960's. We have seen these types of photos on some early Upper Deck cards but the technology in the 1960's was not as advanced as todays photography, making this a special photo. This photo appeared on the cover of the June 24, 1963 Sports Illustrated.
For a bit of background, Roy Face was a relief specialist who helped define the role of reliever in Major League Baseball. He played for the Pirates between 1953 to 1968 and would go on to play for the Tigers and Expos before retiring in 1969 with a won loss record of 104-95 with 193 saves. When compared to today's save leaders, Face's record pales in comparison but remember, Roy Face was the first pitcher to become a relief specialist in a time when pitchers were EXPECTED to finish their games. Face did not have the save opportunities that Mariano Rivera, Lee Smith and others had in more modern baseball. When Face retired he was third in major league history for pitching appearances (846) which put him behind Hall of Famers Hoyt Wilhelm and Cy Young, and second in saves behind Wilhelm. Face still holds the National League record for career wins as a reliever with 96. Face's numbers may be small compared to today's relievers but today's relievers owe him a debt of gratitude for making the position what it is today!
I love the crispness of these old color photos.
For a bit of background, Roy Face was a relief specialist who helped define the role of reliever in Major League Baseball. He played for the Pirates between 1953 to 1968 and would go on to play for the Tigers and Expos before retiring in 1969 with a won loss record of 104-95 with 193 saves. When compared to today's save leaders, Face's record pales in comparison but remember, Roy Face was the first pitcher to become a relief specialist in a time when pitchers were EXPECTED to finish their games. Face did not have the save opportunities that Mariano Rivera, Lee Smith and others had in more modern baseball. When Face retired he was third in major league history for pitching appearances (846) which put him behind Hall of Famers Hoyt Wilhelm and Cy Young, and second in saves behind Wilhelm. Face still holds the National League record for career wins as a reliever with 96. Face's numbers may be small compared to today's relievers but today's relievers owe him a debt of gratitude for making the position what it is today!
I love the crispness of these old color photos.
