RIP - Dave Giusti

 

Dave Giusti, one of the original Houston Colt .45 players, passed away on January 11, 2026 at age 86.

Giusti played for the Colt .45s / Astros from 1962-68, and was a key member of the starting rotation from '66-'68. 

 

He was traded to the Cardinals after the 1968 season for catcher Johnny Edwards, but 3 days later was drafted by the expansion Padres. (Poor planning by the Cardinals?) No matter, 6 weeks later the Pads traded him back to St. Louis for a basket of players.

 

After one season, he was traded to the Pirates, and became their closer for the next 7 seasons. 

 

Following the 1976 season, he was traded to the Athletics in a 9-player deal that included Tony Armas, Doc Medich, Phil Garner, and Tommy Helms. He spent his final season (1977) with the A's and Cubs.  

 

MLB.com obituary 

 

ESPN obituary