Sculptor of Pirates Legends' Statues Remains Unsung

Susan Wagner created iconic statues of Bill Mazeroski, Roberto Clemente, and Willie Stargell, but her work often goes unrecognized.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 10:03am

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Susan Wagner, a Pittsburgh-based sculptor, is the artist behind several iconic statues of Pirates legends at PNC Park, including Bill Mazeroski, Roberto Clemente, and Willie Stargell. Despite her impressive body of work, Wagner often goes unrecognized, even by fans interacting with her creations. The article explores Wagner's humble nature, her passion for capturing the spirit of her subjects, and the financial challenges she has faced as an independent artist.

Why it matters

Wagner's statues have become beloved landmarks in Pittsburgh, immortalizing some of the city's most revered sports heroes. However, the fact that she remains largely unknown speaks to the often-unsung nature of artists and the challenges they face in gaining recognition for their work, even when it has had a significant impact on a community.

The details

Wagner, a Penn Hills native, initially had little interest in sports but discovered a talent for sculpting at a young age. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, she went into business for herself as a painter and sculptor, taking on various odd jobs to support her artistic pursuits. Her big break came when she won a competition to create a statue of Roberto Clemente, which led to commissions for statues of other Pirates legends, including Bill Mazeroski and Willie Stargell. Wagner's approach is to capture the spirit and essence of her subjects, rather than just their physical likeness.

  • In 2010, Wagner's statue of Bill Mazeroski was dedicated on his 74th birthday.
  • Wagner's statue of Roberto Clemente was commissioned after she heard the Pirates were holding a competition to create one.
  • Wagner's latest creation, a life-size statue of Abraham Lincoln, was installed in Wilkinsburg in 2021.

The players

Susan Wagner

A Pittsburgh-based sculptor who has created several iconic statues of Pirates legends, including Bill Mazeroski, Roberto Clemente, and Willie Stargell, at PNC Park.

Bill Mazeroski

A former Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman who hit the game-winning home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, immortalized in a statue created by Susan Wagner.

Roberto Clemente

A legendary Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder and humanitarian, whose statue at PNC Park was sculpted by Susan Wagner.

Willie Stargell

A former Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman and outfielder, whose statue at PNC Park was sculpted by Susan Wagner.

Vera Clemente

The wife of Roberto Clemente, whom Susan Wagner consulted with while preparing to sculpt her husband's statue.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody loves you. They want to honor you.”

— Susan Wagner

“I don't sculpt the game. I'm sculpturing the spirit of the person.”

— Susan Wagner

“I know who you are. Thank you for giving Roberto back to us.”

— Unidentified man

The takeaway

Susan Wagner's story highlights the often-overlooked contributions of artists who bring iconic public works to life, and the financial challenges they face in pursuing their passions. Her statues have become beloved landmarks in Pittsburgh, but her own story remains largely unknown, underscoring the need to recognize and celebrate the unsung heroes behind the city's cultural landmarks.