Pirates Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski dies at 89

Legendary second baseman and World Series hero remembered for iconic walk-off homer

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Bill Mazeroski, the Pittsburgh Pirates' Hall of Fame second baseman and one of the greatest defensive players in MLB history, passed away on Friday at the age of 89. Mazeroski is best known for hitting the game-winning, walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, the only time a Series has ended on a homer. Despite modest offensive numbers, Mazeroski's defensive prowess and that legendary blast cemented his legacy as a Pirates icon.

Why it matters

Mazeroski's passing marks the end of an era for the Pirates and MLB. He was one of the last living links to the franchise's glory days of the 1960s and a beloved figure in Pittsburgh for his heroics on the field. His iconic home run is considered one of the greatest moments in baseball history, and his defensive excellence at second base made him a Hall of Famer despite modest offensive stats.

The details

Mazeroski spent his entire 17-year MLB career with the Pirates, making 10 All-Star teams and winning 8 Gold Glove awards. He holds the major league record for most double plays turned by a second baseman. While not a power hitter, Mazeroski's most famous moment came in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, when he hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th inning to give the Pirates a championship over the heavily favored New York Yankees.

  • Mazeroski passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • Mazeroski was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001 by the Veterans Committee.
  • The Pirates retired Mazeroski's number 9 in 1987.
  • In 2010, the 50th anniversary of his historic home run, the Pirates unveiled a statue of Mazeroski rounding the bases.

The players

Bill Mazeroski

A ten-time MLB All-Star and two-time World Series champion, Mazeroski spent his entire 17-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and is considered one of the greatest defensive second basemen in baseball history.

Rob Manfred

The current Commissioner of Major League Baseball, who released a statement honoring Mazeroski's legacy and impact on the game.

Branch Rickey

The Hall of Fame executive who guided Mazeroski's transition from shortstop to second base, a move that helped cement his defensive prowess.

Roberto Clemente

The Pirates' star outfielder who was just beginning to emerge as a prime player during the 1960 World Series that Mazeroski's heroics helped the Pirates win.

Dick Groat

The Pirates' shortstop who was the National League MVP in 1960, the same year the team won the World Series with Mazeroski's famous home run.

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What they’re saying

“Bill Mazeroski was synonymous with one of the greatest home runs in baseball history for more than 65 years. While his bat delivered the first walk-off, series-ending home run in the history of our Fall Classic in 1960, it was Bill's glove that earned him recognition from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.”

— Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner

“I don't know it's out. I don't know it's a home run. But I know I'm going to end up on third if he misplays that ball off the wall. So I'm busting my tail getting around there, and by the time I hit second base, I looked down the line and the fans went crazy. From second base, I didn't touch the ground all the way in.”

— Bill Mazeroski (bucsdugout.com)

“Because it's a fun thing. I could've been on the other end of it and struck out or something, I'm glad I wasn't on that end of it. I was on the good end of it.”

— Bill Mazeroski (bucsdugout.com)

What’s next

The Pirates are expected to hold a memorial service and tribute to Mazeroski in the coming weeks to honor his legacy and impact on the franchise.

The takeaway

Mazeroski's induction into the Hall of Fame and the iconic status of his 1960 World Series-winning home run cemented his place as one of the greatest players in Pirates history. His defensive excellence and humble, hard-working persona made him a beloved figure in Pittsburgh, and his passing marks the end of an era for the franchise and the sport.