Pirates World Series Hero, Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski Dies at 89
Bill Mazeroski, a National Baseball Hall of Famer best known for lifting the Pittsburgh Pirates over the New York Yankees with a walk-off home run in game seven of the 1960 World Series, has died. He was 89 years old.
“Everyone across the Pirates organization is deeply saddened by the loss of Bill Mazeroski,” said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. “Maz was one of a kind — a true Pirates legend, a National Baseball Hall of Famer and one of the finest defensive second basemen the game has ever seen. 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: humble, gracious and proud to be a Pirate.
“I feel fortunate to have spent time with Maz over the years. Welcoming him and his family back to Pittsburgh as part of the inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame class in 2022 was a special moment for all of us. Our hearts are with his sons, Darren and David and the entire Mazeroski family. Maz was a great man who will be deeply missed.”
Mazeroski spent his entire 17-year career with the Pirates from 1956-72. He won two World Series –the first in 1960 and again in 1971 — and was named an All-Star 10 times. Known as one of the best defensive second basemen in the game’s history, Mazeroski was a Gold Glove recipient eight times.
Mazeroski finished his Hall of Fame career with a .260 batting average, 294 doubles, 62 triples, 138 home runs and 853 RBI. He was enshrined in Cooperstown in 2001 and was part of the Pirates inaugural team Hall of Fame class in 2022. The Pirates also unveiled a statue of Mazeroski outside the right field entrance at PNC Park in 2010.
The legend of Bill Mazeroski came to be on Oct. 13, 1960 at Forbes Field. Mazeroski hit a walk-off home run off Yankees pitcher Ralph Terry to give the Pirates a thrilling 10-9 victory in game seven and the franchise’s third World Series title.
“The author of one of the game’s most indelible moments, Bill Mazeroski will be remembered as one of baseball’s most respected figures – both for his character and for his brilliance on the field as one of the game’s best second basemen,” said Baseball Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark. “Maz remained humble about his career, even as he was celebrated in Cooperstown. On behalf of his Hall of Fame family, we send our deepest sympathies to his loved ones and to Pirates fans everywhere.”
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