Dave Giusti, the All-Star and World Series champion closer who found a second career out of the bullpen with the Pirates, passed away on Sunday in Pittsburgh. He was 86 years old.
Giusti pitched 15 years in the Major Leagues from 1962-77, debuting with the Astros before eventually playing for the Cardinals, Athletics and Cubs. But his longest stint was with the Pirates, with whom he pitched seven seasons from 1970-76.
Primarily a starter in the first seven years of his career, Giusti was expected to be a swingman for the 1970 Pirates, but he instead emerged as one of baseball's premier relievers. While many of the game’s top relievers are now converted starters, Giusti was an early trailblazer for the position.
He quickly took to the new role and made an immediate impact on a contending club. His 30 saves led the National League in 1971, and he went on to throw 10 2/3 scoreless innings with three saves during that year's postseason as the Pirates won it all.
Not a traditional closer by today’s standards, because he would often go multiple innings in an outing, Giusti eclipsed 90 innings in four of his seasons with the Pirates. His palmball became one of the best pitches in the game and propelled him to four straight seasons with at least 20 saves from 1970-73.
Giusti earned an All-Star nod with the Pirates in 1973 and earned Cy Young votes three times and MVP votes twice, finishing as high as fourth in the former category in '70.
During his 15-year career, Giusti pitched in 668 games, 535 as a reliever. He went 100-93 with a 3.60 ERA and 145 saves. His 127 saves over his first six years with the Pirates from 1970-75 were the most in baseball.
Giusti’s 133 career saves with the Pirates ranks fourth in club history, and his 410 games played ranks eighth.
Giusti stayed in the Pittsburgh area after his playing career and was involved in the community and with the Pirates Alumni Association. He is survived by his wife, Ginny, their two daughters and four grandchildren.
“We are saddened by the loss of such a beloved member of the Pirates family,” said Pirates chairman Bob Nutting in a released statement. “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.”