Hall of Famer Mazeroski, Whose Homer Won 1960 WS, Dies at 89

The legendary Pirates second baseman was known for his defensive prowess and hit the only walk-off home run in Game 7 of a World Series.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 1:18pm

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Bill Mazeroski, the Hall of Fame second baseman who hit the game-winning home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series to lift the Pittsburgh Pirates over the New York Yankees, passed away at the age of 89. Mazeroski, an eight-time Gold Glove winner, is considered one of the best defensive players in MLB history, though he is best remembered for his famous home run that clinched the Pirates' World Series title.

Why it matters

Mazeroski's walk-off homer in the 1960 World Series is one of the most iconic moments in baseball history, and he is the only player to ever hit a game-winning home run in Game 7 of a World Series. His defensive prowess at second base is also legendary, as he is regarded as one of the best fielders to ever play the position.

The details

Mazeroski spent his entire 17-year MLB career with the Pirates, winning two World Series championships. In the 1960 World Series, the Pirates trailed the heavily favored Yankees 7-4 in the 8th inning of Game 7 before rallying to tie the game 9-9. In the bottom of the 9th, Mazeroski led off and hit a walk-off home run over the left field wall to give the Pirates a stunning 10-9 victory and the championship.

  • Mazeroski made his MLB debut with the Pirates in 1956 at the age of 19.
  • He won the first of his 8 Gold Glove Awards in 1958.
  • Mazeroski hit the famous walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series on October 13, 1960.
  • The Pirates retired Mazeroski's uniform number 9 in 1987.
  • Mazeroski was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.

The players

Bill Mazeroski

An eight-time Gold Glove Award winner and Hall of Fame second baseman who spent his entire 17-year MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, hitting the iconic walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.

Yogi Berra

The New York Yankees left fielder who watched helplessly as Mazeroski's game-winning home run sailed over his head in the 1960 World Series.

Hal Smith

The Pirates player who hit a 3-run homer in the 8th inning of Game 7 to help the Pirates rally and tie the game before Mazeroski's famous walk-off.

Ralph Terry

The Yankees right-handed pitcher who gave up Mazeroski's game-winning home run in the bottom of the 9th inning of Game 7 in 1960.

Vern Law

The longtime Pirates pitcher who said Mazeroski "would constantly come up with balls we thought were base hits."

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What they’re saying

“I think defense belongs in the Hall of Fame. Defense deserves as much credit as pitching and hitting, and I'm proud and honored to be going into the Hall of Fame on the defensive side and mostly for my defensive abilities.”

— Bill Mazeroski, Hall of Fame Second Baseman

“Mazeroski's defensive numbers 'are probably the most impressive of any player at any position,' with a significant gap between him and the second-best second baseman.”

— Bill James, Baseball Analyst

“Mazeroski 'would constantly come up with balls we thought were base hits.'”

— Vern Law, Former Pirates Pitcher

“I backed up Mazeroski for six years 'and never got a ball.'”

— Bill Virdon, Former Pirates Center Fielder

“I always took defense to heart, more so than offense. I played more defense than I did offense. If I'd have worked at my offense, maybe I'd have been a little better, too. But I didn't work much at it. I worked at defense.”

— Bill Mazeroski

What’s next

The Pirates are expected to hold a memorial service and tribute to Mazeroski at PNC Park in the coming weeks to honor the franchise legend.

The takeaway

Mazeroski's legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in MLB history is cemented, but his iconic walk-off home run in the 1960 World Series will forever be remembered as one of the most dramatic and clutch moments in baseball lore.