Bill Mazeroski

Guide Note:

Baseball player Bill Mazeroski spent his entire 17-season career playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He is considered to be one of the best defensive second basemen ever to play the game.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: September 5, 1936
2. Birth Place: Wheeling, West Virginia
3. Position: Second Baseman
4. Final Game: October 4, 1972
5. 8 time Gold Glove-winner
6. Originally signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a shortstop.
7. Hit walk-off, game-winning home run in Game 7 of 1960 World Series
8. Bats: Right
9. Throws: Right

Although he was originally signed as a shortstop, the Pirates fatefully switched the young Mazeroski to second base prior to his first game. The decision proved to be an excellent one, as Mazeroski would go on to become perhaps the best defensive second baseman ever to play the game. He would go on to win eight Gold Gloves at second, and holds the Major League record for double plays by a second baseman.

Despite his above average offense and legendary defense, Mazeroski's name is forever enshrined in the minds of baseball fans for his play in the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees. Pitted against one of the best baseball teams to ever grace the field, the Pirates were heavy underdogs. Mazeroski had an excellent series, hitting .320 overall. Going into Game 7, the Yankees had outscored the Pirates 46-17, but the Pirates had managed to win three of the games by close margins, having been routed in the rest. With the score 9-9 going into the bottom of the 9th, Mazeroski hit a home run to take the lead, win the game, and win the World Series. He was mobbed at home plate by his teammates and fans who had stormed the field in celebration. In 2001, Mazeroski was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veteran's Committee.