Chicago White Sox legend Billy Pierce dead at 88
The White Sox have had better days.
Returning home from a sparkling 7-1 road trip Friday, the Sox were disappointed they weren't able to make any additions before the 3 p.m. trade deadline.
Friday night, they were dismantled by the New York Yankees at U.S. Cellular Field.
But the day already had taken a dark turn early when Billy Pierce, a standout left-handed pitcher for the White Sox from 1949-61, passed away Friday morning at 88.
Pierce died after battling gall bladder cancer.
"Generations of White Sox fans lost one of their heroes today," Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. "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 debuted on the Hall of Fame's Golden Era Committee ballot this year as one of 10 finalists but did not receive the necessary number of votes for induction.
The White Sox retired his uniform No. 19 in 1987, and a statue of Pierce was unveiled at U.S. Cellular Field in 2005.
"Just a class person," Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "I've known him a long time. I know he did a lot with the Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities and that was the first time I met him. He did a lot of work with them. I know he was the president for a long time.
"Just a sweetheart of a guy. A special guy. You're going to miss him. When he came around here he was great to talk to. Just a classy person all the way around."
Pierce played 18 major-league seasons with Detroit (1945-48), the White Sox and San Francisco (1962-64), going 211-169 with a 3.27 ERA, 32 saves, 193 complete games and 38 shutouts.
He ranks among the White Sox' all-time leaders in strikeouts (1,796), shutouts (35), starts (390), wins (195) and innings pitched (2,931).
Pierce, who was born in Detroit and resided in Southwest suburban Lemont, served as a committee member of Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities for 46 years, acting as president of the group for 20 years.
Since its inception, Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities has raised more than $16 million to help in the fight against cancer.
"Very nice man," said White Sox executive vice president Kenny Williams. "He's going to be missed. He was one of our ambassadors and a man that always had positive thoughts and encouraging words. We all send our condolences to his family.
"You know, it's been a tough year for Chicago with regards to some of the legends of Chicago sports leaving us. That's life's cycle, and I've always preferred to celebrate versus mourn. He's a White Sox. He's up there, and he'll be pushing for us from above. He was a very good man, a very nice man."