The Pittsburgh Pirates suffered a major loss over the weekend as former All-Star pitcher and World Series champion Dave Giusti passed away on Sunday. He is 86 years old.
Born and raised in New York, Giusti attended Syracuse University before embarking on a 15-year Major League Baseball career from 1962 to 1977. The right-hander pitched for five teams, but pitched primarily for the Pirates and Houston Astros, spending seven and six seasons respectively.
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After a successful first six seasons as a starting pitcher for the Astros, Giusti left Houston as one of the best relievers in baseball. He played with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969 before being traded to Pittsburgh, where he spent 1976.
Giusti spent his best years with the Buccaneers, earning three NFC Young votes, two NFC MVP votes, and his only selection to the NFC All-Star team in 1973. He was instrumental in helping Pittsburgh win the 1971 World Series, posting a 2.93 ERA and leading the NL with 30 saves during the regular season, then added three saves and 10 2/3 scoreless innings in the postseason. Won NL Relay Player of the Year honors sports news for his efforts.
Giusti was one of the best relievers of his era, leading MLB in saves from 1970 to 1975. He was traded after retiring in 1976 and pitched for the Oakland Athletics and Chicago Cubs in 1977 before calling it a career. He retired with 100 wins, 145 saves and a 3.60 ERA in over 1,700 innings.
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After retiring, Giusti settled near Pittsburgh and remained close with the Pirates. Even though he has played half a century with the team, he still ranks eighth in franchise history in pitches and saves.
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Former All-Star pitcher, Pirates World Series champion dies appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Network.