Bill Mazeroski, forever immortalized for delivering the most iconic home run in baseball history—a game-winning shot in the seventh game of the World Series—has passed away at the age of 89.
Mazeroski, who etched his name in sports lore with his legendary 1960 World Series performance, died on Friday, February 20.
“Maz will always be celebrated for that unforgettable home run and the 1960 World Series triumph,” remarked Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. “But what I cherish most about him is the person he was. A true legend of the Pirates, a Hall of Famer, and arguably one of the greatest defensive second basemen to grace the game.”
In 2001, Mazeroski’s outstanding career earned him a well-deserved induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Not only was he a seven-time All-Star, but he also secured his place in baseball history with that decisive ninth-inning home run against the Yankees.
Reflecting on Mazeroski’s impact, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred noted, “For over 65 years, Bill Mazeroski’s name has been synonymous with one of the most significant home runs ever hit. His bat delivered the first-ever walk-off, series-ending home run in our Fall Classic’s history, but it was his exceptional fielding that ultimately led to his Hall of Fame recognition in 2001.”
Manfred went on to highlight Mazeroski’s philosophy and work ethic: “Bill understood the equal importance of preventing runs in the field as much as driving them in. His lifetime dedication, coupled with his humility, perfectly represented the spirit of the city he played for. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend heartfelt condolences to Bill’s family, his friends across the sport, and all the devoted Pittsburgh fans.”
Along with hitting the most famous home run, Maz was known as one of the best defensive second basemen in the game during his 17 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He holds several records that still stand to this day, including most seasons leading the league in assists at 9, most seasons leading the league in turning double plays with 8, and most double plays turned in a single season when he had 161 in 1966.
He was also part of the inaugural class of the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2022.
In 2010, on his birthday, the Pirates unveiled a statue outside PNC Park in his honor, near the right field entrance.
Mazeroski is survived by his sons, Darren and David, and his four grandchildren.
