Former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Grant Jackson died Tuesday morning at Canonsburg Hospital due to COVID-19 complications. He was 78.
Jackson was the winning pitcher of game seven of the 1979 World Series. He pitched for the Pirates from 1977 to 1981, when he was traded late in the season to Montréal. He returned to the Pirates in 1982.
Jackson posted an 8-5 record with a 2.96 ERA over 82 innings pitched in 1979. In Game 7 he pitched 2 ⅔ innings of scoreless relief and was the pitcher of record when the Pirates came back to win Game 7 and the series against the Baltimore Orioles.
In his career, in which he played for six teams, he boasted a 86-65 record with a 3.46 ERA and 79 saves.
“This pandemic has affected every family throughout our community, and the Pirates family is no different,” Pirates team president Travis Williams said in a statement. “As the winning pitcher for the Pirates in Game 7 of the 1979 World Series, Grant was a World Series Champion and All-Star, who remained dedicated to the Pirates and the City of Pittsburgh since his retirement in 1982. He was an active board member of our Alumni Association who was always willing to help make an impact in our community.
“More so than any on-field accomplishment, Grant was a proud family man. Our sincere condolences and support go to his wife Millie (Milagro), his children Debra, Yolanda and Grant Jr., as well as his 10 grandchildren. He will be missed.”
Comments