Bob Friend, the Pirates’ all-time leader in innings pitched, died Sunday at 88.
The Pirates announced Mr. Friend’s death in a press release. The cause of death was not revealed.
Mr. Friend, a right-hander, pitched for the Pirates from 1951-65, logging 3,480 1/3 innings. He also set franchise records with 477 starts and 1,682 strikeouts in 15 seasons. He split the 1966 season between the Yankees and Mets before retiring.
Mr. Friend married a nurse of the Pirates’ team doctor and remained in Pittsburgh following his playing career, serving as the Allegheny County controller from 1967-75. His son, Bob III, was a professional golfer and earned his PGA Tour card in 1992.
In his 16-year career, Mr. Friend had a 197-230 record and a 3.58 ERA for an ERA+ of 107. Nicknamed “The Warrior” and reliant on his sinker, he led the National League in wins in 1958 when he went 22-14.
Mr. Friend helped the Pirates win the 1960 World Series, upsetting the Yankees in seven games for the franchise’s first championship since 1925. He lost both starts in the Fall Classic, giving up 10 runs in six innings, following a regular season in which he was 18-12 with a 3.00 ERA while earning his fourth and final All-Star Game berth.
Mr. Friend topped the league in innings pitched in consecutive years with 314 1/3 in 1956 and 277 in 1957. He also topped the league in starts for three straight seasons from 1956-58, making a total 118 in that span.
The Pirates signed Mr. Friend for a $12,500 bonus in 1950, following his freshman year at Purdue University in his hometown of West Lafayette, Ind. He reached the major leagues the following year as a 20-year-old.
Mr. Friend was also one of the founding officers of the Pirates Alumni Association and an active member of its board until his death.
In addition to Bob III, Mr. Friend is survived by his wife Pat and daughter Missy.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.