Mazeroski, Smith join Class of 2001

Despite being decades removed from their playing days, it seemed to be a question of when rather than if for Bill Mazeroski and Hilton Smith’s enshrinement in Cooperstown.

That question was answered on March 6, 2001, when Mazeroski and Smith were elected by the Veterans Committee.

Smith, a seven-time All-Star, Triple Crown winner and World Series champion, is considered by many to be one of the greatest pitchers in Negro Leagues history despite often being overshadowed by his fellow Hall of Fame teammate, Satchel Paige.

A force to be reckoned with every time he stepped onto the mound, Smith was renowned for his curveball and seemingly “unhittable” reputation. On May 16, 1937, he pitched a no-hitter against the Chicago American Giants in which only two balls left the infield.

What cannot be understated about Smith was his influence toward the growth and re-integration of African Americans into the world of white baseball despite the fact that he was never able to play in the American League or National League.

“One thing people should remember about Hilton Smith: He was the one who asked Monarchs owner J. L. Wilkinson to sign an old college football star and army lieutenant named Jackie Robinson” wrote Joe Posnanski in the Kansas City Star when discussing Smith’s legacy.

Smith would remain with the Kansas City Monarchs for the majority of his career, eventually retiring at the age of 41 after 13 seasons and would even go on to decline a minor league contract offer from the Dodgers. He would remain mostly out of the spotlight following his retirement, working as a teacher and steel worker before passing away in 1983 at the age of 76.

Mazeroski combined a capable bat with an outstanding glove. In 17 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1956 to 1972, Mazeroski would be named an All-Star 10 times to pair with his eight Gold Glove Awards at second base, which is tied for third most all-time at the position. He also holds the record for career double plays at second base with 1,706.

“I really don’t know what to say. I never expected to be here,” Mazeroski told Citizens’ Voice when asked about the significance of his induction. “You dream of a lot of things…But you never dream of this. It’s pretty exciting. I just hope I can live up to it.”

Despite all of his accolades and skill on the field, what Mazeroski might be most remembered for is hitting the only Game 7 walk-off home run in World Series history. Facing Ralph Terry of the New York Yankees in the bottom of the ninth, Mazeroski took a 1-0 pitch to left center field at Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field to secure a 10-9 victory to win the 1960 World Series.

Aidan Shephard was an intern in the Jim Murray Sports Communications Scholars Program at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum