Joe Page

Joseph Francis Page (October 28, 1917 – April 21, 1980), nicknamed "Fireman" and "the Gay Reliever", was an American professional baseball relief pitcher. Page, who was left-handed, played in Major League Baseball with the New York Yankees from to and with the Pittsburgh Pirates in .

Professional career Page was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent in . After spending time in the Yankees farm system, Page made his Major League Baseball debut on April 19, where he began his career as a starter.

In his rookie season (starting 16 games, and relieving in three others), Page was voted to play in the All-Star Game and ended his season with over 100 innings pitched and a 4.56 ERA. However, it was certainly appreciated at the time that Page played a greater than average role as the Yankees relief pitcher, at a time when there was no generally acknowledged "closing pitcher" role in baseball, and when starting pitchers were more often expected to finish complete games.

His fourteen relief wins in 1947 was an American League record until Luis Arroyo broke it in . He was fourth in the league in American League MVP voting. In the seventh game of the 1947 World Series he earned the save by inducing Brooklyn Dodgers hitter Eddie Miksis to hit into a series-ending double play.

In , Page finished second in the American League in saves. He also struck out 77 in 107.2 innings, pitched in the All-Star game for the third time, and led the league with 55 appearances.

Page was a competent hitter for a pitcher, posting a .205 batting average (47-for-229) with 20 runs, 2 home runs and 26 RBI.

Death An operator of a bar and resident of Laughlintown, Pennsylvania, Page died at Latrobe Hospital on April 21, 1980 at age 62. His funeral was held in New Kensington.