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

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.