season at 76-86, and in fourth place. For his part, Briles went 11-9 with a 3.26 ERA to be named the team's "Pitcher of the Year." With Doyle Alexander and Dock Ellis added to the starting rotation in , Briles was relegated to the bullpen and fifth starter duties. He was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles on September 19. Briles' season with the Orioles was also hampered with injuries. Even when healthy, he was used very sparingly by Orioles manager Earl Weaver (54.1 innings pitched, by far a career low). He was released by the Orioles on January 17, . Career stats Briles had good reason to record "Hey Hank." Aaron had six career home runs off Briles in 67 at-bats, second only to Willie McCovey with seven. Personal life Nelson Briles met his future wife, Mary "Ginger" Briles through their high school musical, Damn Yankees. Briles was an avid hunter and would frequently travel for hunting. One of his more notable shots was a moose in Canada. He lived with his family in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He was an avid lover of old movies and jazz music. Briles also avidly enjoyed opera and was known to sing it while riding the gondolas in Disney World. Retirement After being released by the Orioles, Briles spent Spring training 1979 with the New York Mets. Though he failed to make the club, he appears in a Saturday Night Live skit featuring actual Mets players. Fictional Dominican second baseman Chico Escuela (portrayed by Garrett Morris) was also with the Mets that Spring attempting to make a comeback at 41 years old. However, he was feeling some resistance from his teammates as his tell-all book about his playing days with the Mets, Bad Stuff 'Bout the Mets, had just hit bookstores. Briles commented that he could not forgive Escuela for writing such a book. Following his retirement as a player, Briles worked as a television color commentator for the Pirates, Seattle Mariners, and USA Network. He joined the Pirates' front office in as director of corporate sales. He founded the Pittsburgh Pirates Alumni Association, and was also the director of the team's annual fantasy camp. Briles collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack in Orlando, Florida, while participating in the annual Pirates alumni golf tournament. He was 61. He was survived by his wife of forty years, Ginger, and their four children,