When you think about baseball's greatest closers, names often jump to mind who could shut down an inning, preserve a lead, and send the crowd home happy. But the history of relief pitching, especially for a franchise like the Pittsburgh Pirates, is a fascinating tapestry woven with unique characters and groundbreaking performances. It’s not just about the saves; it’s about the impact, the longevity, and sometimes, the sheer grit.
Take Roy Face, for instance. He's the Pirates' all-time leader in saves with 186, a number that feels almost mythical now. What's truly remarkable is that the save statistic itself was a relatively new concept during much of his career. Baseball writer Jerome Holtzman, inspired in part by pitchers like Face, developed the save stat in 1960, officially adopted by MLB later. Face was so dominant, so effective in closing out games, that he practically forced the game to create a stat to quantify his brilliance. He finished the 1959 season with an astonishing 18-1 record, showcasing a winning percentage that still stands as a Major League record. He was a lockdown closer before the role was even fully defined, a true pioneer.
And then there's Kent Tekulve, affectionately known as "Teke." It’s tough to separate him from Face, and frankly, many fans wouldn't. Tekulve, with his distinctive submarine delivery, was a cornerstone of the "We Are Family" Pirates team of 1979. While Face might edge him out in raw counting stats like total saves and appearances, Tekulve boasted a superior ERA, especially when you factor in the era and ballpark dimensions. His ERA+ of 139 is a testament to his effectiveness relative to his peers. Tekulve’s consistency over a long career, particularly his standout performances in 1978 and 1979, where he led the league in games pitched and finished, cemented his legendary status. He was a workhorse, a reliable presence in the bullpen for years.
Rounding out the top tier, you have Dave Giusti. A key figure in the 1971 World Series championship team, Giusti was the closer who commanded respect. His palmball was a signature pitch, and his performance in 1970 earned him significant Cy Young and MVP consideration. He led the National League with 30 saves that year, and his postseason performance in 1971 was stellar, a testament to his ability to perform under pressure. Giusti’s overall numbers with the Pirates – a solid ERA, a good win-loss record, and a respectable number of saves – speak to his importance during his tenure.
These pitchers weren't just statistics on a page; they were integral parts of championship teams and fan favorites. Their legacies are built not just on the saves they accumulated, but on the way they pitched, the eras they dominated, and the indelible marks they left on the Pirates' storied history.
