Dave Giusti
Baseball
Enshrined: 1989
Born: November 27, 1939
Seneca Falls, NY
Although Dave Giusti’s athletic career at Syracuse University included playing basketball and baseball for the Orangemen, his professional destiny was in baseball. Giusti broke into the majors in 1961, signing with the Houston franchise.
Giusti, a 5-foot-11 right-handed pitcher, played 15 seasons in the major leagues with five ball clubs. He enjoyed the most success with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Giusti switched from a being starter to a reliever with the Pirates, a career move that would bring him even more acclaim. In 1971, Giusti recorded a league-leading 30 saves and helped the Pirates win the World Series. He was named The Sporting News National League Reliever of the Year.
Giusti, a National League All-Star in 1973, finished with 100 career wins, 145 saves and 1,103 strikeouts.
Career highlights:
1957-1958: Two time winner of Thorton Award for best all around athlete at North Syracuse High School
1958-1961: Attended Syracuse University on a baseball scholarship; Member of Syracuse University’s basketball team
1961: Signed first pro-contract with Houston Colt-45’s later renamed the Houston Astros
1969: Pitched for St. Louis Cardinals
1970: Pitched for Pittsburgh Pirates
1971: Recorded 30 saves and helped Pittsburgh win the National League pennant and World Series
1971: Voted The Sporting News "Fireman of the Year" as the best relief pitcher in baseball
1973: Made National League All-Star team
1977: Finished his career with the Chicago Cubs on September 27
1998: Inducted into the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame