Dave Giusti, a reliever who spent 15 years in Major League Baseball and helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win the 1971 World Series title, has died at the age of 86Associated Press and Tom Blow Deputy Sports Editor
06:00 ET, 13 Jan 2026
Dave Giusti has passed away aged 86(Image: Getty Images)
Dave Giusti, a reliever who played 15 years in the major leagues and was instrumental in securing the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1971 World Series victory, has passed away at the age of 86.
The news of his passing on Sunday was confirmed by the Pirates, citing information from Giusti’s family. The right-handed pitcher boasted a career record of 100-93 with a 3.60 ERA in 668 appearances for five different clubs between 1962 and 1977.
He kicked off his career as a starter in Houston with the Colt .45s (now Astros) but found his stride with the Pirates, who acquired him from the St. Louis Cardinals in October 1969 and transitioned him to a full-time bullpen role. Elsewhere in MLB, the Philadelphia Philies have bolstered their bench by landing a World Series mastermind.
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In 1971, Giusti led the National League with 30 saves and contributed 10 2/3 scoreless innings in the playoffs, helping the Pirates triumph over the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS and then the Baltimore Orioles in a seven-game World Series showdown.
Giusti earned his sole All-Star appearance in 1973. During his seven-season tenure with Pittsburgh, he racked up 133 saves, placing him third in franchise history. Before retiring, he split his time in 1977 between the Oakland Athletics and the Chicago Cubs.
Born in Seneca Falls, New York, Giusti played college ball at Syracuse before being signed by Houston as an amateur free agent.
Giusti won the World Series in 1971(Image: Getty Images)
After appearing in 22 games as a rookie in 1962 and spending all of 1963 in the minors, he made his permanent return to the majors during the 1964 season after being called up. Giusti is survived by his wife, two daughters, and four grandchildren.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Pirates pitcher Dave Giusti,” wrote the Pirates in a statement.
“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.”
Former Pittsburgh catcher Manny Sanguillen, who played alongside Giusti in 1971, wrote on X: “Rest in Peace to my brother Dave Giusti.
“Dave was a champion who threw a nasty palm ball. More than that, Dave was a great family man… Ginny (his wife) was the love of his life, along with his daughters and grandchildren.”
The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) also offered its condolences, describing Giusti as “a leading voice in the early days of the union.”
The MLBPA added: “We extend our sympathies to his family and his many fans and friends throughout the game.”