On August 24, 2002, Hall of Fame pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm dies at the age of 79. Wilhelm became the first reliever inducted to the Hall of Fame, receiving the honor in 1985. Off the field, he served in World War II, earning the Purple Heart at the Battle of the Bulge. A five-time All-Star, the knuckleballer saved 227 games, posted a 2.52 career ERA, and forged a lifetime record of 143-122. At the time of his retirement, he held the record for most games pitched in big league history. Wilhelm, who homered in his first at-bat but never hit another in his career, pitched for 21 seasons. He played for nine teams, but spent most of his career with the New York Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago White Sox, earning a World Championship ring with the Giants in 1954.