World Series hero Bill Mazeroski dead at 89

Bill Mazeroski, the Baseball Hall of Famer who famously hit a walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has died. He was 89.

The Pirates announced Mazeroski’s death earlier Saturday morning.

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Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski (9) poses for a portrait on the field. (Malcolm Emmons/USA TODAY Network.)

“It is with a heavy heart that we relay the news of the passing of legendary Pirates and National Baseball Hall of Famer, Bill Mazeroski,” the team wrote on X. “Maz was a 7-time All-Star who hit the greatest home run in baseball history. He was a beloved member of the Pirates family and he will be deeply missed.”

Mazeroski made his debut with the Pirates when he was just 19 years old. He earned his first All-Star selection at his age-21 season in 1958. He tallied nine more after that.

He made MLB history in 1960 when he helped the Pirates defeat the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the World Series. He took Ralph Terry deep in the bottom of the ninth inning. The solo home run gave Pittsburgh the 10-9 win.

Pittsburgh Pirates former second baseman Bill Mazeroski (left) chats with manager Clint Hurdle (right) prior to the Pirates hosting the Washington Nationals at PNC Park. (Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports)

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Mazeroski remains the only player to hit a walk-off home run in Game 7 of the World Series and it’s considered to be one of the greatest home runs ever hit. While the home run is his claim to fame, his defensive prowess is likely what landed him in the Hall of Fame.

He was voted into Cooperstown via the Veterans Committee and his defensive highlights are on his Hall of Fame plaque. He was described as a “defensive wizard” with a “hard-nosed hustle” and a “quiet work ethic.”

He turned a record 1,706 double plays as a second baseman and earned the nickname “No Hands” for how quickly he was able to field grounders. He also led the National League in assists for a second baseman nine times.

Statue depicting the 1960 World Series home run hit by former Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski (not pictured) outside of PNC Park before the Pirates host the Milwaukee Brewers on July 28, 2020. (Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports)

“I think defense belongs in the Hall of Fame,” he said during his Hall of Fame speech. “Defense deserves as much credit as pitching and I’m proud to be going in as a defensive player.”

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Mazeroski was an eight-time Gold Glover in his career. He hit .260 with 138 home runs and won the World Series twice.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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