Dave Giusti helped lead Syracuse to the College World Series.
It's been more than 50 years since Syracuse University had a baseball program, but the program was back in the news on Monday because of the unfortunate death of former major league pitcher Dave Giusti.
A right-handed pitcher, Giusti was a Cicero-North Syracuse high school product. He played baseball for the Orange, helping the group finish third at the College World Series in 1961.
BR Bullpen has more biographical information on his life and career.
Syracuse discontinued baseball after the 1972 season. As was noted by Brent Axe in 2020 article for Syracuse.com, SU is the only school in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) that doesn't have baseball.
About the 1961 College World Series
Eight teams participated in the tournament, including Boston College, Colorado State College, Duke, Oklahoma State, Syracuse, Texas, Southern California and Western Michigan.
Syracuse began its tournament with a 12-5 win over Colorado State College before losing 12-9 to Oklahoma State. Turned to the losers bracket, SU then beat Western Michigan before losing a semifinal matchup against Oklahoma State.
Syracuse third baseman Dave Sarette was named to the All-Tournament team.
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About Giusti
A 15-year big-league veteran, Giusti spent seven years with the Pittsburgh Pirates and six with the Houston Astros. He also played for the Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs. Lifetime, he went 100-93, making 668 appearances (133 starts). One of the earliest save-getters, he had four seasons of 20 saves or more. He led the National League with 30 in 1971 and won a World Series with Pittsburgh that season.
He was an All-Star in 1973 and finished fourth in Cy Young voting in 1970. Saves became an official stat in 1969.
Also on campus
--The Syracuse University football program continues to secure commits via the transfer portal, with defensive lineman Tunmise Adeleye the latest to commit. He most recently played at UNLV, but has also played for Michigan State, Texas A&M and Texas State. He had 49 tackles this past season.
--The Orange men's basketball team toppled Pitt on Saturday afternoon, winning 83-72. It was the second straight win for Adrian Autry's team and Donnie Freeman led the way with 22 points. Syracuse will be back in action on Tuesday night at the JMA Wireless Dome (9 p.m. ET) against Florida State.
--The SU women went on the road and knocked off Virginia on Sunday afternoon. They are now 14-3 overall and 4-2 in league play.
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