Baseball Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski, known for walk-off home run in 1960 World Series, dies at 89

Mazeroski, an eight-time Gold Glove winner and defensive wizard, was best known for his historic home run that won the 1960 World Series for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 8:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Bill Mazeroski, the Hall of Fame second baseman who won eight Gold Glove awards for his steady work in the field and the hearts of countless Pittsburgh Pirates fans for his historic walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, has died at the age of 89. Mazeroski's signature moment came in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7, when he hit a solo home run to defeat the New York Yankees and give the Pirates their first World Series championship since 1927.

Why it matters

Mazeroski's walk-off home run in the 1960 World Series is considered one of the most iconic moments in baseball history. As a defensive specialist who was not known for his hitting, his heroic blast cemented his legacy as a Pittsburgh Pirates legend and a beloved figure in the city. His death marks the passing of an era in baseball and the loss of a true icon of the sport.

The details

Despite not being a superstar hitter, Mazeroski was a 10-time All-Star and is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive second basemen in MLB history. He turned a major league record 1,706 double plays and led the National League nine times in assists for second basemen. Mazeroski's home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series came in the bottom of the ninth inning, with the score tied 9-9, and gave the Pirates a 10-9 victory over the heavily favored Yankees.

  • Mazeroski's historic home run came on October 13, 1960 at 3:36 pm local time in Pittsburgh.
  • Mazeroski played his entire 17-year MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, from 1956 to 1972.
  • Mazeroski was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001 by the Veterans Committee.

The players

Bill Mazeroski

A Hall of Fame second baseman who spent his entire 17-year MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning eight Gold Glove awards and hitting the iconic walk-off home run to win the 1960 World Series for the Pirates.

Bob Nutting

The current owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who praised Mazeroski as a "true Pirates legend" and said his name will always be tied to the 1960 World Series championship.

Roberto Clemente

A young star outfielder for the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates who, along with players like Dick Groat and Bob Skinner, helped the team reach the World Series that year.

Mickey Mantle

The star center fielder for the New York Yankees, who led the team to the 1960 World Series but was on the losing end of Mazeroski's historic home run.

Ralph Terry

The New York Yankees pitcher who gave up Mazeroski's walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Maz was one of a kind, a true Pirates legend. … 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.”

— Bob Nutting, Pittsburgh Pirates owner (conservativeangle.com)

“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.”

— Bill Mazeroski (conservativeangle.com)

“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.”

— Bill Mazeroski (New York Times)

The takeaway

Bill Mazeroski's legacy as a defensive specialist and his iconic walk-off home run to win the 1960 World Series for the Pittsburgh Pirates cement his status as one of the greatest second basemen and most beloved players in baseball history. His passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a true icon of the sport.