William Stanley Bill Mazeroski, the legendary Hall of Fame second baseman best known for hitting the only walk-off home run in a World Series Game 7, died on February 20, 2026, at the age of 89.
Mazeroski’s passing marks the end of an era in baseball history. For decades he was celebrated by fans not only for his historic moment in the 1960 World Series but also for his outstanding defensive mastery and long career with a single franchise — the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Cause of Death: What Happened to Bill Mazeroski?
Despite widespread reporting on his death, no official medical cause of death has been publicly disclosed by the Pirates organization or his family.
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The Pirates confirmed Mazeroski died at age 89 but did not release specifics about the medical cause.
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Some media reports suggest his passing was related to natural causes associated with advanced age, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Because the team and family chose not to share detailed information, the exact cause of death remains undisclosed at this time.
Legacy and Career Highlights
Bill Mazeroski’s legacy is defined by both his remarkable career and his place in baseball lore:
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Historic Home Run: Mazeroski hit the only walk-off home run in World Series Game 7 history in 1960, delivering a dramatic championship victory for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the New York Yankees.
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Defensive Great: Renowned for his fielding excellence, he won eight Gold Glove awards and was considered one of the greatest defensive second basemen in MLB history.
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Career with One Team: He played 17 seasons (1956–1972) exclusively for the Pirates.
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Hall of Fame: Mazeroski was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.
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All-Star Accolades: He was selected to 10 All-Star Games during his career.
His defensive skill, combined with that legendary home run, ensured his place among baseball’s immortals.
Reactions to His Passing
Tributes poured in from across Major League Baseball and beyond:
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Pirates chairman Bob Nutting called him “one of a kind, a true Pirates legend.”
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Fans and former players remembered Mazeroski not only for his achievements on the field but also for his humble character and impact on the game.
Conclusion
Bill Mazeroski’s death on February 20, 2026 at age 89 was confirmed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but no specific cause of death has been publicly revealed. His legacy — especially the iconic 1960 World Series home run and defensive excellence — continues to be celebrated by baseball fans and historians alike.
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