Pirates Legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski Dies at 89

The man known for his walk-off, ninth-inning World Series-winning home run passed away on Friday.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 12:52pm

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Bill Mazeroski, the Pittsburgh Pirates legend and Baseball Hall of Famer, died on Friday at the age of 89. Mazeroski is best known for hitting the game-winning, walk-off home run in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees. He was also regarded as one of the best defensive second basemen in the game during his 17-season career with the Pirates.

Why it matters

Mazeroski's iconic home run in the 1960 World Series is considered one of the greatest moments in baseball history. As a seven-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, his legacy as a Pirate and one of the all-time great defensive players at his position will be remembered by generations of fans.

The details

In addition to his famous World Series-winning home run, Mazeroski held several records that still stand today, including most seasons leading the league in assists at 9, most seasons leading the league in turning double plays with 8, and most double plays turned in a single season when he had 161 in 1966. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001 and was part of the inaugural class of the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2022.

  • Mazeroski died on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • In 2010, on his birthday, the Pirates unveiled a statue outside of PNC Park in his honor near the right field entrance of the ballpark.

The players

Bill Mazeroski

A Pittsburgh Pirates legend and Baseball Hall of Famer who played second base for 17 seasons. He is best known for hitting the game-winning, walk-off home run in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees.

Bob Nutting

The Chairman of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who praised Mazeroski as a true Pirates legend, a National Baseball Hall of Famer, and one of the finest defensive second basemen the game has ever seen.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman (cbsnews.com)

The takeaway

Mazeroski's legacy as a Pittsburgh Pirates icon and one of the greatest defensive second basemen in baseball history will be cemented by his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Pirates Hall of Fame. His iconic walk-off home run in the 1960 World Series remains one of the most memorable moments in the sport's history.