Dave Giusti, a pivotal player in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ triumph during the 1971 World Series, passed away on Sunday at the age of 86, as announced by the team through his family.
Giusti started his major league career with the Houston Colt .45s but truly shone with the Pirates. He wrapped up his career with a 3.60 ERA and played a crucial role in 1971, earning 30 saves in the National League. His performance that season helped the Pirates secure the World Series, and in 1973, he received All-Star honors.
The Pirates brought Giusti on board from the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969. After moving to Pittsburgh, he became a full-time relief pitcher. Over his seven seasons with the team, he accumulated 133 saves, placing him third in the franchise’s history. He later played for both the Oakland Athletics and the Chicago Cubs in 1977 before retiring, having spent time with five MLB teams in total.
During the intense 1971 playoffs, Giusti pitched 2.3 scoreless innings as the Pirates overcame the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS and ultimately defeated the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series.
Born in Seneca Falls, New York, Giusti played college baseball at Syracuse University. After participating in 22 games as a rookie in 1962, he was placed in the minors for 1963 but returned to the majors in 1964 for good.
He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and four grandchildren.
