Legendary Pirates broadcaster Bob Prince would claim that right-handed pitcher Bob Purkey could throw a pinpoint knuckleball, knowing precisely where it would arrive in the strike zone.

Mr. Purkey learned of Mr. Prince's proclamation and, in jest, called "The Gunner" a liar.

"If you throw a good knuckleball you have no idea what it's going to do," Mr. Purkey would say. "I just tried to throw it down the middle."

Mr. Purkey, a South Hills High School graduate and Bethel Park resident who pitched in the major leagues from 1954 to 1966, died Sunday at Sunrise Assisted Living Center in Scott. He was 78.

In a 13-season major league career, Mr. Purkey posted a 129-115 record with 793 strikeouts and a 3.79 ERA. He pitched for the Pirates from 1954-57 and again in 1966.

"Bob was a great friend and a great ballplayer," former Pirates pitcher Vernon Law said. "I spent several years with him beginning back in the minor leagues in Davenport and New Orleans and then in the major leagues in Pittsburgh. He was a good friend and a fine gentleman."

On Dec. 9, 1957, Mr. Purkey was involved in what is widely considered one of the worst trades in Pirates history, dealt to Cincinnati for relief pitcher Don Gross. By 1962, Mr. Purkey had become one of the league's finest pitchers and in his time in Cincinnati was a three-time All-Star.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gross won just six games for the Pirates. Pirates general manager Joe Brown often called the transaction "the worst trade I ever made.''

Mr. Law said of the trade, "That was a sad day. At the time, everyone wondered why they traded Bob, because not only was he a great pitcher, but he was a fine teammate as well."

In 1961, Mr. Purkey helped the Reds reach the World Series by going 16-12. The next season was the gem of his career, as he was 23-5 with a 2.81 ERA and 18 complete games.

He pitched in Cincinnati until 1964 and played for St. Louis in 1965 before closing out his career with the Pirates in 1966.

Mr. Purkey founded the Bob Purkey Insurance Agency Inc. in 1967, working at the Bethel Park firm until his retirement in 1998.

Thomas P. O'Malley Jr. began working at the Bob Purkey Agency in 1988. When Mr. Purkey retired 10 years ago, Mr. O'Malley purchased the firm.

"People always asked him about baseball and he always had plenty of time for them," he said.

The Bethel Park High School baseball field is named in honor of his son, Bobby, who died in 1974.

Mr. Purkey is survived by a daughter, Candy Holland of Bethel Park, and two grandchildren. His wife, Joan, died Feb. 12.

Friends will be received today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel, 5570 Library Road, Bethel Park. A Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow in St. Valentine Church, Bethel Park. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Peters.