Pirates' World Series Championship Winning Player Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — Dave Giusti, a star Pirates relief pitcher who was a key member of the vaunted 1971 World Series championship team, died on Sunday. He was 86.

The Pirates announced his death Monday on social media.

One of the best relievers in the game in his prime, Giusti was a member of Pirates' teams that won five National League Eastern Division titles between 1970 and 1975. In the 1971 championship year, he led the National League in saves with 30.

Giusti spent seven of his 15 Major League Seasons with the Pirates. He also played for the Houston Colt .45s (later Astros), the St. Louis Cardinals, the Oakland A's and the Chicago Cubs.

"After his playing career, Dave made his home in Pittsburgh and remained an active member of the community and the Pirates alumni group," the Pirates' social media post stated "We extend our sincerest condolences to the Giusti family."

Funeral arrangements were not immediately available on Monday.