1967 Dexter Press Unnumbered
David John Giusti made a mark for himself before the Colt .45's even took the field by pitching a one-hitter in his professional debut for the 1961 Jacksonville Jets of the old Sally League. Before he was promoted to the American Association Houston Buffaloes that year, he compiled a 2.29 ERA against Sally League competition. His three appearances for the Buffaloes in 1961 make him one of the few players to have played for Houston in both its minor- and major-league incarnations.

Giusti pitched in five games for the Colts in '62, but spent the better part of the next two years at Oklahoma City. He resurfaced for good in 1965, and with the fading of Turk Farrell, became the premier Astro righty until 1968. With at least five pitches, including a sharp curve and a "palm ball," Giusti won a team-high 15 games in 1966, pitched eight complete games in 1967, and led the Astros with 251 innings pitched while compiling a 3.19 ERA in 1968. He also led the club in losses in 1966 and 1967.

Giusti made his all-star appearance after he left the 'Stros, and no longer ranks in the career top ten in any of the Astros' pitching categories, but still deserves to be remembered as one of the best of the early Astro hurlers. . . .

'During off-season is substitute teacher in science and physical education and is completing master's degree in education'
1963 Toppps # 189 1967 Team Issue
Unnumbered		 1968 Topps # 182

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