Bob Friend – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bob Friend’s name might not roll off the tongue like some Hall of Fame legends, but this righty pitcher built one of the most memorable careers in Pittsburgh Pirates history. From 1951 to 1965, Friend anchored the Pirates’ rotation through some of the franchise’s toughest stretches before helping them win the 1960 World Series.

He hung up his cleats in 1966 after 16 seasons, racking up 197 wins, four All-Star nods, and a pile of Pirates franchise records that stuck around for ages.

What set Friend apart wasn’t just his stats—it was his crazy durability and steady presence at a time when pitchers had to finish what they started. They called him “The Warrior” for good reason. Friend never landed on the disabled list, not even once. He threw over 200 innings for 11 straight years, often shining as the lone bright spot on Pirates squads that finished dead last.

Bob Friend’s journey started at Purdue University and took him all the way to the mound at Forbes Field, where he became the backbone of Pittsburgh’s pitching staff. His career saw the Pirates go from perennial basement dwellers to World Series champs, giving us a pretty unique look at baseball’s evolution in the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Early Life and Education

Bob Friend grew up in a musical family in Lafayette, Indiana, born on November 24, 1930. He spent his childhood in nearby West Lafayette, where his dad led an orchestra.

At West Lafayette High School, Friend played just about every sport—football, baseball, basketball, and golf. He earned all-state honors in both football and baseball. Later, he headed to Purdue University to study economics and join Sigma Chi fraternity.

Family Background and Upbringing

Robert Bartmess Friend arrived in Lafayette, Indiana, on November 24, 1930. His family soon moved to West Lafayette, where he spent his early years.

Music filled the Friend household. His dad worked as an orchestra leader, and Bob took piano lessons pretty seriously as a kid. That musical training lasted until he turned sixteen.

But tragedy hit when Bob’s father died while he was still in high school. This loss came during a key moment in Bob’s athletic development. After his dad passed, Bob stopped piano and focused more on sports.

The Friend family had deep ties to Purdue. His dad and plenty of relatives had gone there. That connection later influenced Bob’s own decision to attend Purdue and dream about playing college sports.

Athletic Accomplishments at West Lafayette High School

Bob Friend became a standout at West Lafayette High, playing four different sports. He suited up for football, baseball, basketball, and golf, finding success in each.

His football days really stood out. He played halfback and picked up all-state honors. That’s actually when he picked up the nickname “The Warrior.”

“That came from high-school football,” Friend once said. “I was a pretty good tailback, and then later on when I was pitching so many innings, the nickname stuck.”

Baseball paid off for him, too. Friend earned all-state recognition as a pitcher, showing off the skills that would launch his pro career. Scouts noticed his pitching even back in high school.

A shoulder injury during those years changed things. The injury nudged him away from football and toward baseball as his main sport. It ended up steering him toward his future baseball career.

Academic Pursuits and Sigma Chi at Purdue University

Friend started at Purdue in 1949, following the family tradition. He hoped to play both baseball and football, but that shoulder injury had already started to push him toward baseball.

His time at Purdue didn’t go uninterrupted. Friend signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1950, just a year after starting college. Still, he stayed committed to his education.

He attended Purdue during baseball offseasons for eight straight years. Balancing school and pro ball took some serious time management and grit.

He earned his economics degree in 1957, seven years after signing his first contract. Friend joined Sigma Chi, too, which added to his college life even though his schedule was all over the place.

Finishing his degree while playing pro baseball showed the same determination that defined his pitching. That economics degree later helped him in business after baseball.

Path to the Major Leagues

Bob Friend’s road to the majors started in 1950 when he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for a $12,500 bonus. He quickly climbed from the Class B Big State League to Triple-A and made his debut in 1951.

Scouting and Signing by Branch Rickey and the Pittsburgh Pirates

Branch Rickey had his eye on Friend while rebuilding the Pirates. Scout Stan Feasal, who had worked with Rickey in Brooklyn, signed Friend to a pro contract in 1950.

The $12,500 bonus was pretty solid for that time. Friend had wanted to play both baseball and football at Purdue, but the Pirates’ offer changed his plans.

Rickey wanted to develop young pitching talent fast. He moved promising players through the system quickly. Signing Friend fit into Rickey’s bigger plan to make the Pirates competitive like the Dodgers or Cardinals.

Minor League Beginnings: Waco Pirates and Big State League

Friend kicked off his pro career in 1950 with the Waco Pirates in the Class B Big State League. The 20-year-old righty put up a 12-9 record in his first season.

Manager Al Lopez, a former big-league catcher, took notice of Friend’s performance. Lopez played a key role in shaping Friend’s early development. Friend would later remember Lopez’s influence fondly.

Friend’s last game with Waco was unforgettable. He threw a no-hitter in his final appearance. Team business manager Joe Brown told Friend right after that he’d earned a promotion.

Advancement with Indianapolis Indians and the American Association

Friend moved up to the Indianapolis Indians of the Triple-A American Association. He finished the 1950 season there with a 2-4 record.

That jump to Triple-A was the last step before the majors. Friend’s time with Indianapolis was short but important for his growth. The American Association had a reputation for getting players ready for the big leagues.

Branch Rickey liked to move talent up quickly. Friend’s rapid rise from Class B to Triple-A showed how much confidence the Pirates had in him. This fast track soon led to his big-league debut with Pittsburgh in 1951.

Major League Career Highlights

Bob Friend made his mark as one of the National League’s most reliable pitchers over his 16-year run. His durability and steady performance earned him four All-Star selections and a bunch of league-leading stats, not to mention several Pirates franchise records.

Breakthrough Years and National League Success

Friend’s career took off in 1955 when he led the National League with a 2.83 ERA. He became the first pitcher to lead the league in ERA while pitching for a last-place team. That breakthrough happened after Pirates coaches helped him tweak his windup late in 1954.

His best year came in 1958 when he tied for the National League lead with 22 wins. He posted a 3.68 ERA, led the league in games started with 38, and threw 274 innings. That season got him third place in Cy Young voting and his second All-Star appearance.

Friend’s 1960 season was another big moment. He helped the Pirates win their first World Series since 1925. He finished 18-12 with a 3.00 ERA and picked up UPI’s Comeback Player of the Year award. His 183 strikeouts set a club record at the time.

Standout Performances: All-Star Selection and Leading the League

Friend made four All-Star teams—in 1956, 1958, 1960, and one other year. In 1956, he showed off his stamina, leading the National League with 314 innings pitched and 42 starts. That’s the most starts by any pitcher since Pete Alexander in 1917.

Friend led the league in several categories during his career. He topped the NL in innings pitched twice and games started three times. His control was sharp—he led the league in strikeout-to-walk ratio at 4.07 in 1960.

He also served as the Pirates’ player rep for ten years and the National League rep for five years. Friend pushed for better pensions and benefits, helping shape the early players union.

Pirates Records and Franchise Legacy

Friend held several Pirates records well into the 2000s, including career innings pitched and strikeouts. He won 197 games, even though the Pirates were usually struggling in the ‘50s. From 1955 through 1965, he pitched over 200 innings every season.

His durability was almost unheard of—he never spent a day on the disabled list in 16 years. Friend averaged 232 innings pitched and 13 wins a year from 1951 to 1965. He threw 163 complete games and notched several shutouts.

“I was able to pitch every third or fourth day for more than ten years and not miss starts,” Friend once said, reflecting on what he considered his biggest achievement. His consistency and workhorse mentality made him vital to Pirates teams that didn’t score much but leaned on his arm.

1960 World Series and Notable Achievements

Friend’s 1960 season was the high point of his career. He earned Comeback Player of the Year after bouncing back from a tough 1959. His strong regular season against top NL teams helped Pittsburgh reach their first World Series in 33 years, though the Series itself turned out rough for him.

Role in the 1960 World Series Victory

Friend came into the 1960 World Series as Pittsburgh’s ace, after going 18-12 with a 3.00 ERA in the regular season. He led the team in starts and innings, throwing 275⅔ innings and striking out 183.

The Series against the Yankees didn’t go his way. In Game 2, he lasted just four innings before getting pulled in a 16-3 loss. Game 6 went even worse—he made it only two innings and gave up five runs in a 12-0 shutout.

Still, Friend got the call in the decisive Game 7. Manager Danny Murtaugh brought him in from the bullpen to protect a 9-7 lead in the ninth.

Friend gave up singles to Bobby Richardson and pinch hitter Dale Long almost right away. But then the Pirates pulled off a wild win, 10-9, on Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off homer, giving Friend his only World Series ring.

Rivalries and Key Pitching Matchups

Friend faced some tough opponents in his career, especially National League powerhouses. His biggest rivalry was probably with Whitey Ford and the Yankees, who became his World Series foes in 1960.

During the regular season, Friend battled the Milwaukee Braves and their sluggers like Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews. He threw a complete-game win against Milwaukee on Opening Day in 1960, bouncing back after a 4-3 loss to start the year.

The St. Louis Cardinals were another big challenge. On July 25, 1960, Friend beat St. Louis, a win that put the Pirates in first place for good during their championship run.

He also faced the Brooklyn Dodgers a lot before they moved to LA. Those games often turned into pitching duels that highlighted Friend’s stamina and control.

Performance Against Major Teams

Friend’s 1960 regular season looked impressive mostly because he kept beating top National League teams. He took down the Braves, Cardinals, and Dodgers several times while Pittsburgh chased the pennant.

June 1960 really stood out for him. He picked up four wins that month and held a 2.91 ERA. On June 22, Friend blanked the Cardinals with a complete-game shutout, showing he could shut down even the best lineups.

He always seemed to have the Cubs’ number. Friend’s control-heavy style matched up well against their hitters, which helped him lead the league with a 4.07 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 1960.

When September rolled around, he stepped up again for the Pirates. Friend went 4-1 in the final month, tossing three complete games as Pittsburgh held onto first place.

Retirement and Later Life

Bob Friend wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1966 after 16 seasons, never missing a start due to injury. After baseball, he shifted his focus to pro golf and the PGA Tour, while spending more time with family and building a legacy beyond the field.

Final Season and Departure from MLB

In 1966, Friend split his last season between two New York teams. Early that year, the Pirates traded him to the Yankees for reliever Pete Mikkelsen.

Things didn’t really click with the Yankees. Friend went 6-12 and posted a 4.55 ERA in what turned out to be his final year in the majors.

The Mets picked him up for cash later that season. Friend played his last big league game with them on September 24, 1966.

At 35, he decided to retire from baseball. He left the game with 197 wins and a handful of Pittsburgh Pirates franchise records.

After 16 years without a single stint on the disabled list, Friend called it a career. People around the league often called him “The Warrior” because of his toughness.

Transition to Professional Golf and the PGA Tour

After retiring in 1966, Friend went after a career as a professional golfer. He’d played golf back at West Lafayette High School, where he juggled a few sports.

He managed to qualify for the PGA Tour, which is no small feat. Competing with the world’s best golfers, he brought the same drive and competitiveness from his baseball days.

Switching from baseball to golf took a ton of effort and practice. Friend worked hard to get his golf game up to a professional level after focusing on pitching for so long.

His run on the PGA Tour really showed off his all-around athleticism. Not many former baseball players make it to pro golf, especially at that level.

Golf gave him a new way to compete after baseball. He stayed active in sports, just in a totally different arena.

Family Life and Legacy After Baseball

After baseball, Friend put a lot of energy into his family and local community. He’d earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Purdue University in 1957, all while playing in the majors.

His family always stayed close. He grew up in West Lafayette, Indiana, and lost his father, an orchestra leader, when he was just 16.

Later, Friend got involved in Pittsburgh politics. He served as Allegheny County controller from 1968 to 1976, showing a real commitment to public service.

His name still meant a lot in Pittsburgh baseball circles. As of 2018, Friend still held Pirates records for career innings pitched and strikeouts.

Friend passed away on February 3, 2019, at 88. He died peacefully in his sleep in Pittsburgh, leaving behind a legacy as both an athlete and a public servant.

Impact on Baseball and Lasting Legacy

Bob Friend’s impact on baseball stretched way beyond his 197 wins or his reputation for durability. He played a big part in pushing for player rights through union leadership and built a reputation as one of the game’s steadiest pitchers in the 1950s and 1960s.

Contributions as Player Representative

Friend took on the job of Pirates player representative for ten years starting in 1953. He also served as National League player rep for five years during a pretty key time in baseball labor history.

He focused on getting better pensions and benefits for players. Friend pushed for improved working conditions and fair treatment at the bargaining table, always believing that negotiation beat confrontation.

He didn’t believe in player strikes to settle disputes. Friend preferred to work within the system to get things done for his teammates. His leadership helped lay the groundwork for future improvements in player rights.

His timing couldn’t have been more important. Friend got involved just as the players’ union was starting to take shape, and his work set the stage for later gains by players across the league.

Honors, Awards, and Recognition

Friend made four All-Star teams during his career (1956, 1958, 1960, and another year). His 1958 season really stood out, finishing third in Cy Young voting after winning 22 games.

He picked up MVP votes three times, with his best finish at sixth place. In 1955, Friend became the first pitcher to lead the league in ERA (2.83) while pitching for a last-place team, which is pretty wild.

UPI named Friend Comeback Player of the Year in 1960. That year, he helped the Pirates win the World Series, going 18-12 with a 3.00 ERA.

As of 2018, Friend still held Pirates records for career innings pitched and strikeouts. He led the National League in several categories along the way:

• Wins: 22 (1958, tied for league lead)
• Innings pitched: Led twice
• Games started: Led three times

Influence on Future Generations of Players

Friend set a standard for durability that hardly any pitchers have matched. He didn’t spend a single day on the disabled list during his 16-year career.

Younger pitchers saw him as a model for reliability while learning about the demands of professional baseball. His approach focused more on control and consistency than on pure power.

Friend leaned on a sinking fastball and a hard curveball, and later he added a slider to his arsenal. With this strategy, he showed pitchers that success comes from developing skills, not just relying on raw talent.

As a player representative, Friend shaped how future generations viewed their rights and responsibilities. He put a spotlight on negotiation and professional conduct, offering a real template for player leadership.

Many player representatives who came after him followed his example and worked within established systems. Friend’s college education, earning a degree in economics from Purdue, highlighted the value of intellectual growth alongside athletic achievement.

He took classes during the offseasons for eight years—a serious commitment. That dedication to life beyond baseball inspired plenty of other players to pursue their own education.