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Mazeroski, Bill

William Stanley Mazeroski
Born: September 5, 1936, Wheeling, West Virginia
Bats: 
Right
Throws: 
Right
Played For: 
Pittsburgh Pirates (1956-1972)
Elected to the Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee: 2001
Biography: 

In 1954, 17-year-old Bill Mazeroski signed with Pittsburgh as a shortstop and was promptly moved to second base by the Pirates' Branch Rickey. Mazeroski eventually became one of the best defensive second baseman in history with 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 hero status in Pittsburgh's 1960 Fall Classic against the Yankees, when he became the first player ever to end the World Series with a home run.

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Induction Speech

Did You Know: 
that in a role originally intended for Roberto Clemente, Bill Mazeroski had a cameo appearance in the 1968 film The Odd Couple, in which he hits into a game-ending triple play?
It's an honor just to be put in Maz's class. I don't mean to sound corny. For years, I've watched Maz make the tough play look easy. The way he makes the double play is a thing of beauty.
Glenn Beckert