Nelson Briles, 61; Pitcher Won 2 World Series Championships

Nelson Briles, 61, who won two World Series titles during a 14-year pitching career, mostly with the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates, died Sunday in Orlando, Fla., apparently of a heart attack. He was playing in a Pirates alumni golf tournament when he was stricken.

Briles helped the Cardinals win a championship in 1967, going 14-5 with a 2.43 ERA and beating Boston 5-2 in Game 3 of the World Series. He also played a key role in Pittsburgh’s 1971 title run, pitching a two-hit shutout in Game 5 against Baltimore.

Born in Dorris, Calif., and brought up in Chico, Briles pitched for Santa Clara University before joining the Cardinals in 1965. After his stints in St. Louis and Pittsburgh, he pitched for Kansas City, Texas and Baltimore before retiring from the game in 1978, with a career record of 129-112, a 3.44 ERA and 22 saves.

Beginning in 1979, he worked as a broadcaster with the Pirates, Mariners and USA Network’s major league game of the week. In 1986, Briles was named vice president of corporate projects for the Pirates. He also became president of the team alumni association and last year was honored with the Pride of the Pirates award in recognition of his lifetime service to the club.