William Stanley “Bill” Mazeroski was one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic figures, forever etched in sports history for delivering the most dramatic moment baseball has ever seen — a walk-off home run in the World Series.
Who Was Bill Mazeroski? (Quick Intro & Age)
Bill Mazeroski was born on September 5, 1936, in Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S., and passed away on February 20, 2026 at the age of 89. He spent his entire 17-year MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a second baseman — a rarity in modern professional sports.
Historic Home Run & Walk-Off Moment
Mazeroski’s most defining achievement came in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees — he hit the first-ever walk-off home run to end a World Series, a solo shot in the bottom of the ninth inning that clinched the championship for Pittsburgh. It remains the only Game-7, series-ending home run in World Series history.
This unforgettable walk-off home run turned Mazeroski into a legend in Pittsburgh and baseball lore, celebrated annually by fans.
Bill Mazeroski Stats (MLB Career)
Over his MLB career (1956–1972), Mazeroski compiled an impressive stat line emphasized by consistency and longevity:
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Games Played: 2,163
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Hits: 2,016
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Home Runs: 138
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Runs Batted In (RBI): 853
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Career Batting Average (AVG): .260
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Stolen Bases: 27
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On-Base Percentage (OBP): .299
(Career stats according to MLB & Baseball-Reference)
While not a dominant power hitter, his strength was dependable contact, fielding excellence, and clutch performance.
Defensive Greatness & Awards
Bill Mazeroski was a defensive standout:
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10× National League All-Star
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8× Gold Glove Award Winner for fielding excellence
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Held then-major league records for career double plays and assists by a second baseman.
His defensive mastery earned him the nickname “The Glove”, and was a major reason for his Hall of Fame induction.
Hall of Fame & Legacy
In 2001, Mazeroski was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee — a testament to both his durable career and historic contributions to the game.
He also saw his No. 9 jersey retired by the Pirates in 1987.
Statue: A Lasting Tribute
In 2010, the Pittsburgh Pirates unveiled a bronze statue of Mazeroski outside PNC Park, memorializing his most iconic moment — rounding the bases after the 1960 World Series walk-off home run. The statue is 14-feet tall and weighs 2,000 pounds, capturing the elation of that historic play.
This statue remains one of the most beloved monuments in Pittsburgh sports culture.
Estimated Net Worth
While official figures are scarce, various sports finance sources estimate Bill Mazeroski’s net worth to be over $10 million. This figure includes earnings from his playing career, endorsements, wise investments, and post-baseball ventures.
Note: Baseball salaries in the 1950s–70s were far lower than modern contracts, so much of his wealth likely came from investments and lifelong brand recognition rather than player salaries alone.
Conclusion
Bill Mazeroski’s legacy is not just about numbers — it’s about the moment that defined him:
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A home run that changed baseball history
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A walk-off hit that still resonates
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A career built on defense, consistency, and loyalty
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A statue that keeps his memory alive
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An estimated net worth reflecting his impact on and off the field
From Wheeling, West Virginia, to Cooperstown and the hearts of baseball fans everywhere, Bill Mazeroski remains one of the sport’s greatest legends.
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