Giants issue statement after passing of Billy Pierce

The Giants mob pitcher Billy Pierce (left center, profile) after the final out in their pennant-winning victory over the Dodgers in 1962.(AP)

CHICAGO -- Billy Pierce, a seven-time All-Star pitcher who played in two World Series and spent most of his 18 years in the majors with the Chicago White Sox, died Friday. He was 88.

Pierce died after a battle with gall bladder cancer, said his family and the White Sox.

The left-hander played for Chicago from 1949 to 1961, starting three All-Star games in the mid-1950s. He also played for his hometown Detroit Tigers and the San Francisco Giants, going 211-169 with a 3.27 ERA, 1,999 strikeouts, 193 complete games and 38 shutouts. He reached the series…