It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we confirm the passing of a beloved member of the Pirates family, Bob Friend, earlier this morning at the age of 88. Bob was an outstanding baseball man, and an even better person.
An exceptional pitcher, Bob pitched in 568 games over the span of 15 seasons with the Pirates. A four-time All-Star, he won a career total of 197 games and still holds the Pirates franchise record for career innings pitched (3,481), games started (477) and strikeouts (1,682).
Bob played a critical role in bringing the city of Pittsburgh a World Series Championship in 1960. He won 18 games that season, having posted a 3.00 earned run average and 183 strikeouts, while leading our team in games started and innings pitched.
After his retirement, Bob continued to demonstrate his passion for the Pirates organization. A permanent Pittsburgh resident, Bob was one of the founding officers of the Pirates Alumni Association and was an active board member since that time up until his passing.
Our thoughts, prayers and support go out to Bob's wife, Pat, son, Bob, and daughter, Missy, as well as the rest of the Friend family members and loved ones.
Bob was truly one of the very best to ever wear the Pirates black and gold. He will be deeply missed.