Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski, who won eight Gold Glove awards during his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has passed away.

Mazeroski is celebrated for his iconic walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series that secured victory over the New York Yankees.

The Pittsburgh Pirates organization shared: “It is with a heavy heart that we relay the news of the passing of legendary Pirates and National Baseball Hall of Famer, Bill Mazeroski. Maz was a 7-time All-Star who hit the greatest home run in baseball history. He was a beloved member of the Pirates family and he will be deeply missed.”

Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 2001, Mazeroski’s career was defined by exceptional defense rather than high batting averages. He recorded a lifetime batting average of .260 with 138 home runs and 27 stolen bases over 17 seasons, and an on-base percentage of .299. He never batted above .299 and never reached the 100-run mark in batting average or runs scored.

His Hall of Fame plaque describes him as a “defensive wizard” with “hard-nosed hustle” and a “quiet work ethic.” As a 10-time All-Star, he turned a major league record of 1,706 double plays, earning the nickname “No Hands.” He led the National League nine times in assists for second basemen and was recognized by statistician Bill James as the game’s greatest defensive player at his position.

“I think defense belongs in the Hall of Fame,” Mazeroski said during his induction speech. “Defense deserves as much credit as pitching, and I’m proud to be going in as a defensive player.”

Mazeroski’s most famous moment occurred in 1960 when he hit a walk-off home run in Game 7 of the World Series. The Pittsburgh Pirates had not reached the World Series since 1927, and this was their first championship since that time. The team featured young Roberto Clemente and relied on players like shortstop Dick Groat and outfielder Bob Skinner. Mazeroski, who turned 24 during the season, finished with a .273 batting average.

The Yankees outscored the Pirates 55-27 in the regular season, but Mazeroski’s home run in the bottom of the ninth inning sealed the victory for Pittsburgh. MLB stated: “We are saddened by the passing of Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski, who hit one of the greatest home runs in baseball history. On Oct. 13, 1960, Game 7 of the World Series, bottom of the 9th inning, Mazeroski smashed a walk-off home run to lead the Pirates to a 10-9 win over the Yankees for the championship.”

A statue depicting Mazeroski rounding the bases after his famous homer stands outside PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Unveiled in 2010, it commemorates the 50th anniversary of that iconic moment.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred noted: “Bill Mazeroski was synonymous with one of the greatest home runs in baseball history for more than 65 years. While his bat delivered the first walk-off, series-ending home run in the history of our Fall Classic in 1960, it was Bill’s glove that earned him recognition from the Baseball Hall of Fame.”