Tributes pour in for World Series winner and MLB pioneer Dave Giusti after his death aged 86

TRIBUTES have poured in for MLB icon Dave Giusti, who has died aged 86.

Giusti, who is still regarded as one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball history, spent 15 seasons in the majors.

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Pittsburgh Pirates legend Dave Giusti has sadly died aged 86Credit: GETTY

Tributes have poured in for the late pitcherCredit: AP

And he played a pivotal role in the Pittsburgh Pirates winning the 1971 World Series.

Upon learning of his passing, the Pirates wrote on X, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Pirates pitcher Dave Giusti.

“Dave spent seven of his 15 big league seasons with the Pirates and was an important member of the 1971 World Championship team as he led the NL in saves that year with 30.

“After his playing career, Dave made his home in Pittsburgh and remained an active member of the community and the Pirates alumni group.

“We extend our sincerest condolences to the Giusti family.”

Baseball fans paid tribute to the late Giusti after learning of his passing.

One wrote on X, “Integral part of Pirates success in early 1970s.

“In his prime, one of the best closers in MLB. Tremendous competitor.

“Bright guy (Syracuse grad), wicked sense of humour. Inconsolable in defeat. Outstanding person. RIP, Dave.”

Another said, “He was a great pitcher and had ice water in his veins for big situations.

“God bless you and your family, Dave.”

And another said, “My first autograph and I asked my dad to grow side burns like him when I was five years old.”

One remarked, “Dave had a great palmball. Sorry to learn of his passing.”

Another chimed in, “RIP, Dave. Fierce opponent…good pitcher. Wish he’d been with my Tigers.”

Giusti, who began his career as a starter in Houston, joined the Pirates in 1969 from St Louis.

In the year the Pirates won the World Series, he led the National League with 30 saves before adding 10 2/3 scoreless innings in the playoffs.

He spent seven years with the Pirates before hanging up his pitching mitt in 1977 after stints with Oakland and the Chicago Cubs.

Giusti is survived by his wife, their two daughters and four grandchildren.

Dave Giusti won the World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971Credit: GETTY