MLB Legend Dead at 86

Former MLB star Dave Giusti, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and nabbed a World Series title throughout 15 years in the league, has died. He was 86.

Dave Giusti Was a World-Famous Baseball Player

Giusti joined the MLB in 1962, when he began playing for the Houston Astros. He remained with the team for six seasons before he was traded to St. Louis, where he spent a single season before moving over to the Pirates in 1970. That year, he posted a team-high of 26 saves throughout 66 appearances.

Giusti Helped Pittsburgh to 1971 World Series Victory

In 1971, Giusti helped the Pirates win the World Series. He also led that season’s National League with 30 before pitching 10.2 scoreless innings during the postseason. From 1962 until 1977, Giusti went 100–93 with a 3.60 ERA in 668 career appearances for five teams. In 1973, Giusti made his only All-Star appearance. He retired in 1977 after spending a season between the Oakland A's and the Chicago Cubs. Of all Pirates pitchers, Giusti ranks third all-time in saves (133), seventh in ERA (2.92), and eighth in games (410).

He Remained with the Team Even After Retirement

“We are saddened by the loss of such a beloved member of the Pirates family,” Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting told MLB.com. “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."

After his retirement, Giusti served as an officer for the Pirates Alumni Association since its incorporation. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and four grandchildren.