Pirates Mourn The Passing Of Hall Of Famer Bill Mazeroski

The Pittsburgh Pirates today confirmed the passing of legendary Pirates National Baseball Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski, who passed away on Friday, February 20. 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 was an inaugural member of the Pirates Hall of Fame class in 2022 and was enshrined into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, in 2001. He was a seven-time All-Star who hit the most famous home run in baseball history; a ninth-inning, game-winning blast against the Yankees in Game Seven of the 1960 World Series.

A winner of eight Gold Glove Awards, Maz earned the reputation as being one of the finest fielding second basemen in the history of the game during his 17-year career with the Pirates. He holds National League records for most seasons leading the league in assists (nine), most seasons leading the league in double plays (eight) and most double plays turned in a single season (161 in 1966).

The Pirates unveiled a statue outside PNC Park in Bill’s honor on his birthday (September 5) in 2010. The statue is located at the end of Mazeroski Way near the right field entrance to the ballpark.

Mazeroski is survived by his two sons, Darren and David and his four grandchildren. Darren is a member of the Pirates Scouting department, serving as an Area Supervisor