Grant Jackson, the winning pitcher in Game 7 of the 1979 World Series for the “We Are Family” Pittsburgh Pirates and a reliable left-hander for 18 seasons in the majors, died Tuesday from COVID-19 complications. He was 78.
Known for bringing the ball far behind his back and then slinging it toward the plate, Jackson was 86-75 with 79 saves and a 3.46 ERA in 692 games from 1965 to 1982. He was 3-0 with a 2.55 ERA in 13 postseason appearances.
In 5 ½ seasons with the Orioles, Jackson went 24-12 with 39 saves and a 2.