Pirates All-Star, World Series winner Dave Giusti dies

Field Level Media|published: Mon 12th January, 14:42 2026

MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates

Jun 4, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A cap shoes and glove belonging to Pittsburgh Pirates third base Ke'Bryan Hayes on the field before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pirates All-Star and World Series champion reliever Dave Giusti died on Sunday in Pittsburgh. He was 86.

In 1971, the right-hander led the National League with 30 saves and helped the Pirates beat the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series. He made the NL All-Star team in 1973.

"We are saddened by the loss of such a beloved member of the Pirates family," Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a released statement on Monday. "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 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... pic.twitter.com/SwtkJ1zdaZ
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) January 12, 2026

Giusti began his career as a starter with the Houston Colt .45's/Astros, winning a career-high 15 games in 1966 and striking out a career-high 186 batters in 1968.

He finished with a 100-93 record and 145 saves with a 3.60 ERA in 668 career games (133 starts) with Houston (1962, 1964-68), St. Louis Cardinals (1969), Pirates (1970-76), Oakland Athletics (1977) and Chicago Cubs (1977). He ranks fourth in Pirates history with 133 saves.

--Field Level Media

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