Former Pirates reliever Grant “Buck” Jackson passed away early Tuesday morning due to COVID-19 complications.
Jackson, the winning pitcher of the 1979 World Series, was hospitalized at Canonsburg Hospital. He was 78.
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While Jackson is gone, he legacy as a Pittsburgh Pirate and his impact in the community will be felt for years to come.
Many fans would gravitate to him at fantasy camps and other events.
Voice of the Pirates, Greg Brown shared some of his thoughts with us.
"I got to know Buck way back in 1979 when he was the left handed setup man for Kent Tekulve on Chuck Tanner's, 'We Are Family" World Series Championship Team.
Later, following his playing career, he became a pitching coach for Tanner.
I vividly recall Grant asking to break down video tape up in the Three Rivers Stadium scoreboard room, which at the time, was somewhat groundbreaking as teams had no easy access to game footage back in those days.
Following his retirement, Buck, who made his home in Pittsburgh, was an eager participant in Pirates alumni/community relations events.
I don't believe he ever turned down an opportunity to represent the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.
One thing was absolutely a lock: when you saw Buck, he was guaranteed to give you that sunshine bright smile along with his patented hearty laugh and strong, welcoming handshake (and his Buccos World Series ring was always prominent).
I pray for his beautiful widow, Millie, along with their three children and 10 grandchildren (Grant was so proud of each one of them) and hope Pirates fans everywhere will keep Grant and his family in their thoughts and prayers as well.
Grant "Buck" Jackson was one-of-a-kind.
A proud Pirates Champion, and a wonderful human being.
I, along with so many other fans, friends and loved ones, will miss him dearly.
Rest in Peace, Buck."