Dave Giusti, a crafty relief pitcher who tormented Major League hitters with the long-forgotten ‘palm ball,’ has passed away at the age of 86.
A reliable right-handed reliever who spent 15 years in the majors and helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win the 1971 World Series title, Giusti went 100-93 with a 3.60 ERA in 668 career appearances for five clubs from 1962-77. He also credited with pioneering the closer role in baseball, according to the Society for America Baseball Research (SABR).
He began his career as a starter in Houston but had his greatest success with the Pirates, who acquired him from St. Louis in October 1969 and then moved him to the bullpen full-time.
Giusti led the National League with 30 saves in 1971, then added 10 2/3 scoreless innings in the playoffs as the Pirates beat the Giants in the NLCS and then the Baltimore Orioles in seven games in the World Series.
He was particularly impressive in the Fall Classic, making three appearances without surrendering a run to a lineup that included Frank Robinson and Boog Powell.
Giusti, who made his lone All-Star appearance in 1973, played seven seasons for Pittsburgh, registering 133 saves – third in franchise history. He split time between Oakland and the Chicago Cubs in 1977 before retiring.
Giusti, who pioneered the ‘closer’ role, led the National League with 30 saves in 1971
Giusti and teammate Steve Blass (left) met with President Richard Nixon at the White House to launch the Roberto Clemente Memorial Fund, which helps the children of U.S. Marines
His specialty was a changeup known as the palm ball, which was difficult to control but offered a sharp reduction in velocity compared to the rest of his repertoire. It also took a downward break, helping to generate a significant number of grounders.
Giusti was close with legendary Pirates right fielder Robert Clemente, who died in a 1972 plane crash while trying to deliver aid to survivors of a massive earthquake in Nicaragua. Later, Giusti and Pirates pitcher Steve Blass met with President Richard Nixon at the White House to launch the Roberto Clemente Memorial Fund, which helps the children of U.S. Marines.
A native of Seneca Falls, New York, Giusti played collegiately at Syracuse before being signed by Houston, then an expansion team known as the Colt .45s, as an amateur free agent.
He appeared in 22 games as a rookie in 1962, spent all of 1963 in the minors before returning to the majors for good after being called up during the 1964 season.
Later, after retiring from baseball, Giusti worked for Millcraft Industries and American Express, according to SABR.
Giusti is survived by his wife, two daughters and four grandchildren.
