Former Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dave Giusti, who helped win the 1971 World Series, dies at 86
Dave Giusti, a reliable right-handed reliever who played a key role in the Pittsburgh Pirates' 1971 World Series championship, has died at the age of 86. The Pirates organization announced his passing on Sunday, citing confirmation from his family.
Giusti enjoyed a 15-year major league career with five teams, compiling a record of 100-93 with a 3.60 ERA over 668 appearances. He began as a starter with the Houston Colt .45s/Astros but found his greatest success after being traded to Pittsburgh in 1969 and transitioning full-time to the bullpen.
A Pillar of the Pirates' 1971 Bullpen
His standout season came in 1971 when he led the National League with 30 saves. Giusti was instrumental in the Pirates' postseason run, pitching 10 2/3 scoreless innings across the NLCS and World Series, helping the team defeat the San Francisco Giants and the Baltimore Orioles in seven games to secure the title. He earned his only All-Star selection in 1973. Over seven seasons with Pittsburgh, he recorded 133 saves, which still ranks third in franchise history.
A native of Seneca Falls, New York, Giusti played college baseball at Syracuse University before signing with Houston as an amateur free agent. Following his tenure with the Pirates, he finished his career with the Oakland Athletics and Chicago Cubs in 1977. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and four grandchildren.
