Bob Friend, a right-handed pitcher, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Born on November 24, 1930, in Lafayette, Indiana, Friend attended Purdue University before signing with the Pirates in 1949. He made his MLB debut on April 28, 1951, and quickly became a mainstay in the Pirates' pitching rotation.

Friend's career with the Pirates spanned 15 seasons, during which he became known for his durability and consistency on the mound. In 1955, he led the National League in earned run average (ERA) with a 2.83 mark, becoming the first pitcher to win the ERA title while playing for a last-place team. This achievement highlighted his ability to perform well even when the team struggled.

The 1958 season was another standout year for Friend. He led the league in innings pitched with 274.2 and also topped the charts in wins, securing 22 victories. His performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game, the first of three such honors in his career. Friend was selected as an All-Star again in 1960 and 1961, further cementing his reputation as a reliable pitcher.

Friend played a crucial role in the Pirates' 1960 season, which culminated in a World Series championship. Although he did not have his best performances in the World Series itself, his contributions throughout the regular season were instrumental in helping the Pirates reach the postseason. That year, he recorded 18 wins and maintained a solid ERA, helping to anchor the team's pitching staff.

In addition to his pitching prowess, Friend was known for his fielding abilities. He won the Gold Glove Award in 1960, recognizing his defensive skills on the mound. This accolade underscored his all-around capabilities as a pitcher who could not only deliver strong performances from the mound but also contribute defensively.

After his long tenure with the Pirates, Friend was traded to the New York Yankees in December 1965. He spent part of the 1966 season with the Yankees before being traded to the New York Mets. Friend finished his MLB career with the Mets, retiring after the 1966 season. Over his 16-year career, he amassed 197 wins, 1,734 strikeouts, and a career ERA of 3.58.

Friend's legacy in baseball is marked by his longevity and reliability as a starting pitcher. He remains one of the most accomplished pitchers in Pittsburgh Pirates history, holding several franchise records at the time of his retirement. After leaving baseball, Friend pursued a career in business and remained active in the Pittsburgh community until his passing on February 3, 2019.

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