Bill Mazeroski, the legendary second baseman who earned eight Gold Glove awards and captivated Pittsburgh Pirates fans with his iconic walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, has died at the age of 89.
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Mazeroski's passing on Friday, though the cause of death remains undisclosed. Pirates owner Bob Nutting praised him as a unique and humble figure whose legacy will forever be intertwined with the team's historic championship.
Hall of Fame Career
Inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 2001, Mazeroski's career statistics may not have placed him among the elite hitters, as he recorded a .260 batting average with 138 home runs and 27 stolen bases over 17 seasons. Despite his modest offensive numbers, he is celebrated for his exceptional defensive skills.
His Hall of Fame plaque highlights his reputation as a "defensive wizard" known for his relentless hustle and strong work ethic. A ten-time All-Star, Mazeroski set a major league record by turning 1,706 double plays and was recognized as the greatest defensive player at his position by statistician Bill James.
During his induction speech, Mazeroski emphasized the importance of defense, stating, "I think defense belongs in the Hall of Fame. Defense deserves as much credit as pitching and I’m proud to be going in as a defensive player."
The 1960 World Series
Bill Mazeroski's most memorable moment came in the 1960 World Series when he hit a historic home run in Game 7. As a young player from West Virginia, he achieved a dream shared by many aspiring athletes.
Facing the New York Yankees, who had dominated the series by outscoring the Pirates, Mazeroski played a pivotal role in Pittsburgh's unexpected victory. He contributed significantly with a two-run homer in Game 1 and a two-run double in Game 5, leading to a dramatic conclusion in Game 7.
In a thrilling final inning, the game saw multiple lead changes, culminating in Mazeroski's legendary home run off Yankees pitcher Ralph Terry. The ball soared over the ivy-covered wall at Forbes Field, marking the first time a World Series concluded with a home run, etching the date, October 13, 1960, into the memories of fans.
Mazeroski reflected on that moment years later, sharing, "I was just looking to get on base. Nothing fancy, just looking for a fastball until he got a strike on me. I thought it would be off the wall, and I wanted to make third if the ball ricocheted away from Berra. But when I got around first and was digging for second, I saw the umpire waving circles above his head and I knew it was over."
Legacy and Personal Life
Bill Mazeroski dedicated his entire major league career to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Off the field, he was equally devoted to his family, marrying Milene Nicholson in 1958. They had two sons and remained together until her passing in 2024.
Born during the Great Depression in Wheeling, West Virginia, Mazeroski faced early hardships. His father, a former aspiring player, nurtured his passion for baseball, leading to his selection by the Pirates at just 17 years old.
Though he transitioned from shortstop to second base early in his career, Mazeroski remained a vital part of the Pirates' organization. After retiring in 1972, he continued to contribute as a coach and instructor, with the Pirates retiring his jersey number 9 in 1987. In 2010, a statue commemorating his historic Game 7 performance was unveiled in Pittsburgh.
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