Pittsburgh Pirates legend Bill Mazeroski has died, the organization has announced. He was 89 years old.
Mazeroski is one of the greatest players in Pirates history, making the All-Star Game 10 times and earning eight Gold Glove Awards. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
“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 Pirates said. “Maz hit the greatest home run in baseball history. He was a beloved member of the Pirates family and he will be deeply missed.”
Mazeroski won two World Series titles during his MLB career and hit an iconic walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, his homer led the Pirates to a 10-9 win over the Yankees for the championship.
There is a statue depicting Mazeroski’s run around the bases from the 1960 World Series outside of PNC Park.
“Everyone across the Pirates organization is deeply saddened by the loss of Bill Mazeroski. 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,” Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting said.
“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.”
Bill Mazeroski spent all 17 of his MLB seasons with the Pirates, hitting .260 with 294 doubles, 138 home runs and 853 RBIs.
His best season came in 1958 when he hit .275 with 24 doubles, 19 homers and 68 RBIs.
In the 1960 World Series, Mazeroski hit .320 with two home runs and five RBIs.