Grant Jackson, the winning pitcher the last time the Pirates won the World Series, passed away early Feb. 2, 2021 due to complications from COVID-19 at 78. Jackson, a crafty left-handed reliever, pitched for six teams over 18 major league seasons, including two separate stints with the Pirates (1977-81 and 1982), writes PG sports reporter Jason Mackey. Take a look back at some of his career and service in photos here.
Former Pirates player Grant Jackson acknowledges the crowd during the 40th anniversary of the 1979 World Series team Saturday, July 20, 2019, at PNC Park. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)Pittsburgh pirates alumni Grant Jackson, right, tries to dodge a fast ball at the annual Play Ball 2015 baseball event while President Frank Coonelly looks on at PNC Park on Saturday, September 26, 2015. (Lake Fong/Post-Gazette)Former Pirates Grant Jackson, left, and Manny Sanguillen(cq) at the Hispanic Heritage Month Gala at the Westin on Friday, October 18, 2013. (Rebecca Droke/Post-Gazette)Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf student Jon Holtz shares in a moment with former Pittsburgh Pirates Grant Jackson during the 8th annual Perfect Pitch baseball and softball clinic for deaf and hard-of-hearing student-athletes on Monday, May 7, 2018, at PNC Park. (Steph Chambers/Post-Gazette)Members of the 1979 World Championship Pittsburgh Pirates pose with the trophy before the baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009. From left to right, top row, Omar Moreno, Bruce Kison, partially blocked by Chuck Tanner, Kent Tekulve, Bill Madlock,The wife of the late slugger Willie Stargell, Margaret Stargell, Don Robinson, and Rennie Stennett,, Bottom row right to left are Dale Berra , Mike Easler, Grant Jackson, Steve Nicosia and Phil Garner. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)Pittsburgh Pirates play cards in the locker room instead of taking the field for pre-game practice, Oct. 9, 1979 in Baltimore before the World Series game against the Orioles. They were waiting for rain to cease. Players, left to right, are Bill Madlock, John Candelaria, Ed Ott and Grant Jackson. (AP Photo)Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf head softball coach Linda McKay receives a hug from former Pittsburgh Pirates Grant Jackson during the 8th annual Perfect Pitch baseball and softball clinic for deaf and hard-of-hearing student-athletes on Monday, May 7, 2018, at PNC Park. (Steph Chambers/Post-Gazette)The 1976 New York Yankees baseball team poses together. Grant Jackson is pictured in the top row at far left. (AP Photo)Baltimore Orioles baseball team poses in 1971. Grant Jackson is pictured in the top row at far left. (AP Photo)Pittsburgh Pirates Chief Executive Officer Kevin McClatchey, center in blue, applauds with former Pittsburgh Pirates players as a historical marker for Forbes Field, a former home of the Pirates, is unveiled in front of the remaining portion of the outfield wall in Pittsburgh’s Oakland section on Friday, July 7, 2006. Former Pirates are, from right in front row, Grant Jackson, Bobby DelGreco and Manny Sanguillen; and Steve Blass, with arms raised. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)Former Pittsburgh Pirates Grant Jackson watches Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf student Wade Dunbar during the 8th annual Perfect Pitch baseball and softball clinic for deaf and hard-of-hearing student-athletes on Monday, May 7, 2018, at PNC Park. (Steph Chambers/Post-Gazette)From left, Grant Jackson, Sally Wiggin and Andrew Stockey at the Flavor of the East benefit in 2013. (Rebecca Droke/Post-Gazette)Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Scott McGregor, left, and former Pittsburgh Pirates’ Grant Jackson laugh during a during a celebration in honor of the 1979 Orioles AL pennant winners before the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game Friday, June 13, 2008 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)Member of the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates World Championship team Dave Parker, left, is greeted at the top of the dugout steps by 1979 teammate, pitcher Grant Jackson, right, before a pre-game ceremony honoring the team before a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies in Pittsburgh, Saturday, July 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
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