On behalf of the Giusti family, the Pittsburgh Pirates confirmed the passing of former pitcher Dave Giusti (pronounced “JUST-ee”) on Sunday, January 11, in Pittsburgh. Giusti was 86 years old.
“We are saddened by the loss of such a beloved member of the Pirates family,” said Pirates Chairman Bob
Nutting. “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."
Giusti made his Major League debut with Houston in 1962. After six seasons with Houston and one with St. Louis in 1969, the former right-handed pitcher spent his first season with the Pirates in 1970 and posted a team-high 26 saves in 66 appearances.
A World Series champion with the Pirates in 1971, Giusti led the National League with 30 saves that season
before pitching 10.2 scoreless innings in the postseason.
Giusti, who was a National League All-Star with Pittsburgh in 1973, led all Major League pitchers in saves (127) over a six-year span from 1970-75. He ranks third all-time among Pirates pitchers in saves (133), seventh in ERA (2.92) and eighth in games (410).
Following his playing days, Giusti made his home in the Pittsburgh area and was very active within the community. He was an officer with the Pirates Alumni Association since its inception.
Giusti is survived by his wife, his two daughters and four grandchildren.