Bill Mazeroski from a 1959 Bazooke gum trading card (Credit: Wikipedia Commons/Public Domain)
"Maz" lived in Towamencin Township during his later years
Towamencin Township resident and Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski, known for his iconic walk-off home run in the 1960 World Series, passed away on Friday at the age of 89.
Mazeroski, a Pittsburgh Pirates legend and defensive wizard, had called Towamencin Township home since 2019, after relocating from Greensburg, according to the Associated Press, PA. He lived in the Jacobs Woods community on Encampment Road. No cause of death has been disclosed, according to the AP.
Pirates owner Bob Nutting remembered Mazeroski as "one of a kind," telling the AP, “His name will always be tied to the biggest home run in baseball history and the 1960 World Series championship, but I will remember him most for the person he was: humble, gracious and proud to be a Pirate.”
Mazeroski, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001, became synonymous with baseball defense. With a career spanning 17 years, his accomplishments were not always reflected in the statistics, according to the news organization.
He was known for his defensive brilliance and “hard-nosed hustle,” even though his batting statistics were modest by Hall of Fame standards.
Mazeroski earned the nickname “No Hands” for his lightning-fast double plays, finishing his career with a major league record of 1,706. His quiet work ethic and commitment to his craft earned him the respect of fans and peers alike, according to the AP.
A Hero in the 1960 World Series
Mazeroski's most defining moment came on October 13, 1960, when he hit the legendary walk-off home run in Game 7 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, clinching the Pirates’ first championship in 33 years. Mazeroski’s home run remains the only walk-off to end a World Series.
For longtime fans of the Pirates, Mazeroski’s feat became an unforgettable moment of triumph.
"It was the first time a World Series ended on a home run," said Sean Ciccarone, of FL, a former Hatfield resident and NorthPennNow reader. “Maz is oft left out of the top names of second basemen to ever play the game, but he hit, arguably, the most important home run in World Series history."
A Community Connection
While Mazeroski’s baseball achievements are well-documented, his connection to the local community is equally cherished. He lived among us, with local residents often sharing fond memories of their encounters with the Hall of Famer.
North Penn High School baseball coach Kevin Manero, who reflected on Mazeroski's impact, said, “It’s really pretty remarkable knowing we had such a legendary baseball figure living in our community. I think his name is one that all true baseball fans know but so few of us knew he was part of our town.”
Mazeroski’s legacy extended beyond his time on the field. His humility, work ethic, and dedication to the game made him a role model to fans young and old. After retiring from the Pirates in 1972, he went on to coach for the team and later worked as an infield instructor for spring training.
The 50th anniversary of his iconic home run was celebrated in 2010 with the unveiling of a 14-foot statue of Mazeroski rounding the bases, which stands proudly on Bill Mazeroski Way in Pittsburgh, according to the AP.
Mazeroski’s contributions to baseball and the Pirates are forever etched in the sport’s history. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of baseball players and fans.
His quiet presence among the community made his achievements even more extraordinary.
As Ciccarone put it, “Growing up, the three names I heard over and over in my house were Willie Stargell, Roberto Clemente, and most importantly, Bill 'Maz' Mazeroski. A true legend.”
