Childhood Heroes

As a young boy growing up in the 1950-60s, most of my heroes were athletes, in particular, baseball players from the Pittsburgh Pirates.  

I don’t think much of those players now a days and hardly even follow baseball.  How things have changed over the years.  As a child, I would spend hours each summer trading baseball cards with friends. Names like Roberto Clemente, Harvey Haddix, Dick Groat and Smokey Burgess were all household words that would easily roll off my tongue.  

Today, I don’t think much about any of these legends, with the exception of Roberto Clemente, whose name, image and likeness are emblazoned throughout Pittsburgh on buildings, bridges and museums that honor him.

Recently, I was transported back in time when I learned that Elroy Face, aka The Barron of the Bullpen passed away at the age of 97.  I hadn’t thought about Face in years, but his passing reminded me of the lead role he played in the Pirates' dramatic victory over the New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series in which he became the first pitcher to “save” three games in the Fall Classic.

Face’s career as a right-handed relief pitcher from 1953-1969 was almost entirely with the Pittsburgh Pirates with whom he became a pioneer of modern relief pitching and the archetype of what would become to be known as a “closer”.

Less than two weeks after learning of Face’s death, I was brought back to reality once again with the news that Bill Mazeroski had also passed away.

Other than Roberto Clemente, there’s probably no former Pittsburgh Pirate revered more than Mazeroski.  Some referred to him has “Maz”, others called him “The Glove” for his exceptional play at second base.  His baseball card always sported him with a bulging cheek that was either filled with chewing tobacco or gum!

Mazeroski played his entire career (1956-72) with the Pirates.  He was a seven-time All-Star known during his career primarily for his spectacular defensive play.  That said, he is best known for one of the most memorable home runs in baseball history, a dramatic ninth-inning drive in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series which resulted in the Pirates defeating the favored New York Yankees.

As I reflected on the careers and influence of these two childhood heroes of mine, I came to learn that Face and Mazeroski had a lifetime friendship which began when they roomed together when the Pirates played away games.

In their later years, they were nearly inseparable at public events. They frequently attended celebrity golf tournaments together such as the Phil Niekro Golf Classic, which they participated in year after year after year.  Face would often assist at a winter baseball camp for children in Florida that was run by Mazeroski.

Both were inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame — Mazeroski as part of the inaugural 2022 class and Face in 2023 — events where they continued to celebrate their shared history.

The timing of their passing was noted by friends and fans as a final testament to their bond.  Elroy Face passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 97.  Bill Mazeroski passed away just over a week later, on February 20, 2026, at the age of 89.

A longtime friend remarked that it seemed like, “the Lord’s will” that two such close friends left the earth at almost the same time.

Thanks for the memories…rest in peace.