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PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - Bob Friend, a Pirates pitcher whose career spanned 15 seasons in Pittsburgh and included a World Series Title, died Sunday morning at age 88.
Friend pitched in 568 games with the Pirates and still holds the franchise record for career innings pitched (3,481), games started (477) and strikeouts (1,682). He was a four-time All-Star and won 197 games in his 16-year career.
Pirates broadcaster and former pitcher Steve Blass was Friend's roommate and told KDKA Radio Friend was never on the disabled list.
"He didn't miss a turn," he said. "He was a workhorse and he just took the ball everyday, everyday that they wanted him to."
Friend also played an integral role in the Pirates 1960 World Series Championship season in 1960, winning 18 games that year with a 3.00 ERA and 183 strikeouts. That year, he led the team in games started and innings pitched.
As a young pitcher, Blass said Friend helped him transition to the Major Leagues.
"He couldn't have been a better mentor and a better friend when I was just getting my feet on the ground in Pittsburgh. Just sad news, but what a strong, good life."
In a statement, the Pirates called Friend one of the best to ever wear a Pirates uniform.
He is survived by his wife, Pat and his two children, Bob and Missy.
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