The baseball world is in mourning following the passing of Hall of Fame second baseman and Pittsburgh Pirates icon Bill Mazeroski, who died at the age of 89. He is celebrated for delivering one of the most unforgettable moments in sports history: his walk-off home run against the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, which secured Pittsburgh’s championship after a 35-year drought.
Take a moment to relive that historic play:
“Everyone across the Pirates organization feels a profound loss with the passing of Bill Mazeroski,” stated Pirates chairman Bob Nutting. “Maz was truly one of a kind—a Pirates legend, a Hall of Famer, and recognized as one of the best defensive second basemen in history. His legacy is forever etched in baseball, particularly tied to that iconic home run, but what stands out to me is the incredible person he was: humble, gracious, and proud of his roots as a Pirate.
“I was fortunate to spend memorable moments with Maz over the years. His return to Pittsburgh for the inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame class in 2022 will always be remembered as a special occasion. Our thoughts are with his sons, Darren and David, and the entire Mazeroski family. He was a remarkable individual, and he will be deeply missed.”
Commissioner of MLB Rob Manfred also shared his sentiments: “Bill Mazeroski has been synonymous with one of baseball’s most legendary moments for over six decades. His dedication and humility mirrored the spirit of the city he represented on the field. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Bill’s family, friends, and all devoted Pirates fans.”
In the 1960 World Series, Mazeroski had a strong showing, going 8 for 25 (.320) with two home runs and five RBIs. Despite his Game 7 heroics, he did not receive the World Series MVP award, which went to Yankees second baseman Bobby Richardson who had an impressive 11 hits and 12 RBIs in the series. Richardson remains the only player to win MVP honors while on a losing team.
Though remembered for his moment of glory in the World Series, Mazeroski was a phenomenal defensive second baseman. He won eight Gold Gloves and holds the all-time record for double plays turned by a second baseman. Additionally, he led National League second basemen multiple times in assists, double plays, and putouts.
Originally from Ohio, Mazeroski signed with the Pirates as an amateur free agent ahead of the 1954 season. His debut in 1956 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, and by 1957, he was Pittsburgh’s starting second baseman at just 20 years old. Over his career, he participated in 10 All-Star Games and garnered MVP votes in 1958 and 1966, placing eighth in MVP voting as a 21-year-old in 1958.
During his prime from 1957 to 1962, Mazeroski posted a .269 batting average with a .307 on-base percentage and .397 slugging, averaging 12 home runs per season—numbers that stood out for second basemen of his time. He played his entire 17-season career with the Pirates from 1956 to 1972, finishing with 2,016 hits and 138 home runs. He earned a second World Series ring with the 1971 Pirates.
Mazeroski’s path to induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame took time. He spent the maximum 15 years on the Hall of Fame ballot from 1978 to 1992, peaking at 42.3% of the vote in 1992, below the 75% needed for induction. However, he was finally voted into the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 2001. The Pirates retired his jersey No. 9 in 1987.
Reflecting on his career during his Hall of Fame speech, he remarked, “Isn’t it strange? Known for the home run yet in the Hall of Fame for my defense.”
