Press Release: The Hall of Fame Remembers Bill Mazeroski

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 21, 2026

-- Class of 2001 Inductee Passed Away on Friday --   “When you live your dream and hit a home run to win the World Series, that’s pretty special. I got to live that dream.”  -- Bill Mazeroski   Bill Mazeroski’s Hall of Fame plaque (elected, 2001) William Stanley Mazeroski “Maz” Pittsburgh, N.L. 1956-1972   A defensive wizard whose hard-nosed hustle and quiet work ethic helped lead the Pirates to three division titles, two pennants and a pair of World Series championships. An eight-time Gold Glove winner and 10-time All-Star renowned for his lightning-quick pivot on the double play, turning 100 or more in 11 consecutive years. His 1,706 career twin killings is a record among middle infielders. Also ranks in the Top 10 among second basemen in assists, putouts and games played. His dramatic home run in Game Seven at Forbes Field propelled the Pirates to the 1960 World Championship.   Bill Mazeroski Bio Born: Sept. 5, 1936, in Wheeling, W.Va. Died: Feb. 20, 2026, in Lansdale, Pa. Height: 5-11 Weight: 183 Batted right and threw right In 1954, 17-year-old Bill Mazeroski signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a shortstop and was promptly moved to second base. Two years later, Mazeroski made his major league debut for Pittsburgh, where he would spend his entire career. He was one of the best defensive second basemen in history, posting a lifetime .983 fielding percentage. The 10-time National League All-Star led the league in assists nine times, fielding percentage three times and double plays eight times. A consistent batter, with 2,016 career hits, “Maz” achieved iconic status in the 1960 World Series, when he became the first player to end a Series with a home run.   Remembering Bill Mazeroski   “The author of one of the game’s most indelible moments, Bill Mazeroski will be remembered as one of baseball's most respected figures – both for his character and for his brilliance on the field as one of the game’s best second basemen. Maz remained humble about his career, even as he was celebrated in Cooperstown. On behalf of his Hall of Fame family, we send our deepest sympathies to his loved ones and to Pirates fans everywhere.”  – Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman, Baseball Hall of Fame    Quotes about Bill Mazeroski   Hall of Famer Joe Torre: “It’s pretty simple: He was the best I ever saw at turning a double play.”   Former teammate Vern Law: “Maz would constantly come up with balls we thought were base hits. You’re running over to back up a base and here Maz has got the ball and he’s throwing that hitter out.”   On the web: Visit baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/mazeroski-bill to view photos and the Hall of Fame plaque of Bill Mazeroski.