Former Pirates pitcher and 1971 World Series Champion Dave Giusti died in Pittsburgh on Sunday at the age of 86.
Giusti began his career with the Houston Astros and played for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969 before he was traded to the Pirates prior to the start of the 1970 season.
Giusti played seven seasons for Pittsburgh and went 47-28 with a 2.94 ERA and 133 saves. A World Series champion with the Pirates in 1971, Giusti led the National League with 30 saves that season before pitching 10.2 scoreless innings in the postseason.
Giusti, who was a National League All-Star with Pittsburgh in 1973, led all Major League pitchers in saves (127) over a six-year span from 1970-75. He ranks third all-time among Pirates pitchers in saves (133), seventh in ERA (2.92) and eighth in games (410).
After his career in Pittsburgh ended, Giusti split the 1977 season between the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics before retiring.
“We are saddened by the loss of such a beloved member of the Pirates family,” said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. “He was a vital member of our World Series-winning team in 1971 and spent seven of his 15 big-league seasons with the Pirates before eventually making Pittsburgh his home.
“We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Ginny, his daughters, Laura and Cynthia, and the entire Giusti family.”
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