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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Right-handed pitcher Bruce Kison, who won two World Series rings with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1970s, passed away Saturday morning after a battle with cancer.

#RIP Bruce –a gutsy pitcher and a really nice person https://t.co/SWUsv4LsUR — Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) June 2, 2018

Kison was 68 years old.

Kison pitched for the Pirates from 1971 to ’79 before pitching for five more years for the California Angels and one season with the Boston Red Sox. Kison finished his MLB career with 115 wins, a 3.66 ERA and 1,073 strikeouts in 1,809 2/3 innings pitched. He also recorded 12 saves.

ON TNE PASSING OF TEAMMATE BRUCE KISON.He WAS ONE THE GREATEST COMPETITORS I HAVE SEEN.WE ALWAYS HAD A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP.WE BOTH TEAMED UP THIS YEAR AT THE PIRATE FANTASY AS MANAGERS AND ENJOYED EVERY MOMENT EVEN THOUGH AT THAT TIME HE WAS NOT FEELING WELL.HE DID NOT QUIT. — AL OLIVER (@Alscoop16) June 2, 2018

Kison, who was a 14th-round pick of the Pirates in 1968, become a coach and a scout after his playing days. After retiring in 1985, Kison took on the role as the Pirates’ a minor league pitching instructor. He also served as the Kansas City Royals bullpen coach and later pitching coach before scouting for the Baltimore Orioles for more than a decade.

He was one of the most competitive, hard-nosed pitchers in the history of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bruce Kison passed away this morning after a battle w/cancer. Steve Blass said, “He was a helluva pitcher…and a better friend” #RIPBuster Love ya, Bruce pic.twitter.com/J344gAiuik — Greg Brown (@gbrowniepoints) June 2, 2018

The Pirates released the following statement from President Frank Coonelly Saturday afternoon:

“Today, the Pirates mourn the loss of our good friend and alumni, Bruce Kison. Bruce was a large part of those great 1970s Pirates teams and is perhaps best known for his gutty six and a third innings of scoreless relief in the first World Series night game on October 13, 1971, as he helped lead the Club to our fourth World Championship. Bruce has been a beloved member of the Pirates family long after his playing and coaching days were over and most recently joined Clint Hurdle and his staff in spring training as a special instructor. Bruce will always be remembered as a great part of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and today is a sad day for all of us. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Anna Marie, as well as his entire family and friends.”