Bill Mazeroski, the man immortalized for hitting arguably the greatest home run in baseball history-a game 7 walk-off in the World Series-has passed away at the age of 89.
Mazeroski left us on February 20, leaving behind a legacy that stretches far beyond that iconic moment. Known affectionately as "Maz," he was a true Pittsburgh Pirates legend and a National Baseball Hall of Famer, celebrated not only for his bat but also for his exceptional defensive skills.
Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting reflected on Mazeroski's impact, saying, "His name will always be tied to the biggest home run in baseball history and the 1960 World Series championship, but I will remember him most for the person he was. Maz was one of a kind."
Mazeroski's career was studded with accolades. A seven-time All-Star, he hit the game-winning home run in the ninth inning of game seven against the Yankees in the 1960 World Series.
But it wasn't just his bat that made him a legend. As MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred highlighted, "While his bat delivered the first walk-off, series-ending home run in the history of our Fall Classic in 1960, it was Bill's glove that earned him recognition from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001."
Mazeroski's defensive prowess was unmatched. He led the league in assists for nine seasons and in turning double plays for eight seasons, setting records that still stand today. In 1966, he turned an astonishing 161 double plays in a single season.
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor also paid tribute, noting, "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."
Mazeroski's legacy was further cemented when he became part of the inaugural class of the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2022. His statue stands proudly outside PNC Park, a testament to his enduring impact on the game and the city of Pittsburgh.
He is survived by his sons, Darren and David, and his four grandchildren. Mazeroski's life and career remain a testament to hard work, humility, and the enduring spirit of baseball.