Bill Mazeroski, who etched his name in baseball lore with an iconic World Series game 7 walk-off home run, has passed away at the age of 89.
The legendary moment that secured his place in history occurred on a Friday, February 20.
“His legacy is forever linked with the most monumental home run in the sport’s history and the 1960 World Series triumph,” expressed Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. “Yet, what I cherish most is the incredible person he was. Maz was truly unique, a genuine Pirates legend, a Hall of Famer, and undoubtedly one of the finest defensive second basemen the game has ever witnessed.”
Honored in 2001 with induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, Mazeroski was a seven-time All-Star known for his unforgettable ninth-inning, game-winning homer against the Yankees in the 1960 World Series.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred remarked, “For over 65 years, Bill Mazeroski’s name has been synonymous with one of baseball’s greatest home runs. His bat delivered the first walk-off, series-ending homer in our Fall Classic’s history, but it was his defensive prowess that led to his Hall of Fame recognition in 2001.”
Manfred continued, “Bill understood that saving a run in the field was as impactful as scoring one. His life, marked by dedication and humility, perfectly embodied the spirit of the city he represented. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I offer heartfelt condolences to Bill’s family, his friends throughout the sport, and all the devoted fans in Pittsburgh.”
“Maz gave us one of the greatest home runs in baseball history to clinch the 1960 World Series, and set records as one of the best defensive second basemen to play the game,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor in a statement. “My thoughts are with the family, friends, and fans of Bill Mazeroski.”
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.
