Former Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dave Giusti, who helped win the 1971 World Series, dies at 86
January 12, 2026
Dave Giusti, a reliable reliever who helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win the 1971 World Series, has died. He was 86. Giusti played 15 years in the majors, going 100-93 with a 3.60 ERA in 668 appearances for five clubs from 1962 to 1977. Giusti began as a starter in Houston but found success in Pittsburgh after the Pirates moved him to the bullpen. Giusti led the National League with 30 saves in 1971, then pitched 10 2/3 scoreless innings in the playoffs as the Pirates beat Baltimore in the World Series. Giusti collected 133 saves across seven seasons in Pittsburgh, which still ranks as the third-highest total in franchise history.