Billy Pierce, known as one of the most powerful pitchers of the 1950s, played for the Chicago White Sox from 1949 until 1961.  During his career with the Sox, Pierce was the starting pitcher in three All-Star games and led the American League in pitching 21 complete games. Pierce also led the American League in both 1955 with a 1.97 ERA and in 1953 with 186 strikeouts.

Before playing for the White Sox, Pierce played a brief stint for the Detroit Lions from 1945 until 1949. Pierce was born and raised in suburban Detroit. After his baseball career ended, Pierce returned to Illinois, setting in Evergreen Park, a Chicago suburb.

In 2006, Pierce was initiated into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame and a statute in his honor was placed at U.S. Cellular Field in 2007.

Learn more:
Former White Sox star Billy Pierce dies at 88
Billy Pierce – Baseball Statistics