Bob Veale, a key figure in the Pittsburgh Pirates' 1971 World Series victory, passed away at the age of 89. Veale, a dominant left-handed pitcher, dedicated 11 of his 13 MLB seasons to the Pirates. Team owner Bob Nutting praised Veale's contributions to the franchise, highlighting his role in securing consecutive division titles and the memorable World Series win. Nutting also recognized Veale as an outstanding individual both on and off the field.

Veale concluded his professional career with the Boston Red Sox, playing there from 1972 to 1974. According to reports, he passed away peacefully in his hometown surrounded by loved ones. The specific details surrounding his passing haven't been publicly released.

Veale's time with the Pirates was marked by two All-Star selections in 1965 and 1966. His MLB journey began in 1962 at the age of 26. After a brief debut season, he made a significant impact in 1963, boasting a remarkable 1.04 ERA across 34 appearances, signaling his potential as a starting pitcher. His workload increased in 1964, accumulating 279.2 innings pitched with a 2.74 ERA and a league-leading 250 strikeouts. Over his career, Veale recorded an impressive 1,703 strikeouts in 1,926 innings.

Veale's legacy extends beyond his individual achievements. He was part of the historic first all-Black or Afro-Latino lineup in MLB history during his tenure with the Pirates. Following his playing career, he transitioned to scouting for the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees. His contributions to the sport were further recognized with his induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He also played an instrumental role in establishing the Negro Southern League Museum in his hometown of Birmingham in 2015.