Ex-Reds pitcher Purkey dead at 78

SI.com, Tuesday, March 18, 2008 7:24PM

BETHEL PARK, Pa. (AP) -- Bob Purkey, who pitched in three All-Star games and one World Series with the Cincinnati Reds, has died. He was 78.

Purkey died Sunday, according to the Paul L. Henney Funeral Home.

Purkey had a 129-115 record and a 3.79 ERA over 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals, last appearing in a game in 1966.

He tossed a complete game in the Reds' 3-2 loss to the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the 1961 World Series. He was used in relief later in the series and had an ERA of 1.64 over 11 innings. The Yankees won the title in five games.

Purkey's best season was in 1962, when he went 23-5 with a 2.81 ERA and 18 complete games.

Purkey was 103-76 in 217 starts over seven seasons with Cincinnati (1958-64) and was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 1974.

Purkey was the starting pitcher for the National League in the 1961 All-Star game, opposing Detroit's Jim Bunning, now a U.S. senator from Kentucky.

Purkey is survived by his daughter, Candy Holland, and was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, and their son, Bobby Jr.

Robert T. "Bob" Purkey

July 14, 1929 - March 16, 2008

3/18/2008

www.henneyfuneralhome.com

Bob Purkey, Age 78, of Bethel Park, on Sunday, March 16, 2008; Devoted husband of the late Joan(Latsko) Purkey, loving father of Candy(Bob) Holland and the late Bobby Purkey, Jr. Cherished grandfather of Ross and Brian Holland. Son of the late Edward and Anna Purkey; Brother of Don (Beverly) Purkey and the late Edward Purkey; Brother in law of John(Barbara) Latsko, Bill (the late Connie) Latsko, Geri (Charley) Rabe, Nancy (the late Joe) Latsko and Norma Purkey. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends received Tuesday & Wednesday 2-4 & 7-9 at Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel 5570 Library Rd., Bethel Park. Funeral Liturgy of The Word and Funeral Rites will be held Thursday 9:30 AM at St. Valentine Church(Everyone Please meet at Church). Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Bob pitched in the Major leagues for 13 years, from 1954-1966, and played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals. He pitched in All Star games and one World Series, won 129 games in the Major Leagues, and was 23-5 in 1962 for the Cincinnati Reds. Bob is also a member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.

After baseball Bob started his own business, the Bob Purkey Agency in Bethel Park, which he owned for over 30 years until his retirement. Bob was active in Bethel Park’s Chamber of Commerce, and for many years helped raise money for charity through a variety of endeavors including active participation with the Pittsburgh Pirates Alumni Association.

If desired memorial contributions may be made to Pirate Alumni Charities, 115 Federal St., PNC Park Pgh., PA 15212.