White Sox Legend Billy Pierce Passes Away At 88

(CBS) White Sox legend Billy Pierce passed away Friday morning after a battle with gall bladder cancer, the team announced. He was 88.

In playing 18 big leauge seasons -- including 1949-'61 with the White Sox -- the left-hander won 211 games and posted a 3.27 ERA and 1,999 strikeouts. His No. 19 was retired by the White Sox in 1987, and the team unveiled a statue of him at U.S. Cellular Field in 2005.

"Generations of White Sox fans lost one of their heroes today," White 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 in 2015 as one of 10 finalists, but he didn't receive enough votes for induction.

He's survived by his wife of 65 years, Gloria; son Bill Jr.,; daughter Patty; son Bob; five grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

Pierce was active with the Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities for 46 years. The group has raised more than $16 million to fight cancer since its inception.

"Billy was such a kind-hearted and thoughtful man," said Christine O'Reilly, vice president of community relations for the White Sox. "The tireless work, effort and love he put into Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities – raising millions over the past five decades – shows you how much compassion Billy had for others and for his adopted home of Chicago."

Pierce is one of 13 pitchers to have started at least three All-Star games, doing so in 1953, 1955 and 1956. He ranks among the White Sox all-time leaders in strikeouts (first with 1,796), shutouts (third with 35), starts (third with 390), wins (fourth with 195) and innings pitched (fourth with 2,931).

He was a seven-time All-Star.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Pierce's name to the Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities. Details on services are pending.