Billy Pierce, celebrated White Sox pitcher, died on Friday at the age of 88, according to the Chicago Tribune. He died of gallbladder cancer in Palos Heights, his family confirmed.
Pierce was a left-handed pitcher and one of the leading pitchers of the 1950s. He pitched for 18 major league seasons, won 211 games, and was a seven-time All-Star. He lead the American-league with a 1.97 E.R.A in 1955 and accumulated an astounding 1,999 strikeouts, according to the New York Times.
Considering his size, standing 5-foot-10, and pitching left-handed, he was one of the hardest throwing pitchers of his time, according to the Washington Post.
His professional baseball career began in 1945 with the Detroit Tigers. He then joined the White Sox roster in 1949, where he stayed until 1961, according to the Washington Post. He ended his career playing with the San Francisco Giants, but had amassed great success and admiration by the time he threw his last pitch.
White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf made a statement when Pierce's death was announced, according to the New York Times: "Generations of White Sox fans lost one of their heroes today. It was an absolute privilege to consider Billy a friend. He epitomized class, not just as a ballplayer on those great Go-Go White Sox teams of the 1950s, but as a gentleman and as a human being who devoted so much of his life to helping others."
Pierce is survived by his sons Robert and William; his daughter Patricia; his wife Gloria; five grandchildren; and one grandchild, according to the Chicago Tribune.
