Pirates great Dave Giusti, who starred in team’s 1971 World Series run, dead at 86

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com.

Dave Giusti, whose standout 15-year MLB career included a key role in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1971 World Series title, died Sunday, the team announced, citing his family. He was 86.

While he made his big league debut in Houston with the expansion Colt .45s, Giusti reached his greatest heights with the Pirates.

The former right-handed reliever finished his big league career with a 3.60 ERA. Giusti led the National League with 30 saves in 1971 and was a key piece of the Pirates’ World Series title that season. He earned All-Star honors in 1973.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

FILE - Pitcher Dave Giusti, a member of the 1971 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates, takes part in a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the championship season before a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets in Pittsburgh on July 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

The Pirates acquired Giusti from the St. Louis Cardinals in October 1969. Once he made the move to Pittsburgh, Giusti transitioned to the bullpen full-time. He played seven seasons for Pittsburgh, registering 133 saves, which ranks third in franchise history. 

He split time between Oakland and the Chicago Cubs in 1977 before retiring, ultimately spending time with five MLB franchises.

MIKE CAMPBELL, FORMER SEATTLE MARINERS PITCHER AND FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICK, DEAD AT 61

Giusti posted 10 2.3 scoreless innings in the 1971 playoffs as the Pirates defeated the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS and then the Baltimore Orioles in seven games in the World Series.

Pitcher Dave Giusti (31) of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during a game at Three Rivers