Bill Mazeroski
From BR Bullpen
William Stanley Mazeroski (Maz)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Weight 183 lb.
- Debut July 7, 1956
- Final Game October 4, 1972
- Born September 5, 1936 in Wheeling, WV USA
Inducted into Hall of Fame in 2001
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[edit] Biographical Information
Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski played seventeen years in the majors, all with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was named to ten All-Star teams and won eight Gold Gloves. In the 1960 World Series, which the Pirates won, he slugged .640.
In 1954, 17-year-old Bill Mazeroski signed with Pittsburgh as a shortstop and after one season in the minors was moved to second base by Pirates' President Branch Rickey.
Mazeroski was in the minors during 1954-56 with Williamsport and Hollywood.
He made his major league debut in July 1956 and stayed in the lineup, appearing in 81 games during the remainder of the season. He continued to be the regular second baseman for many years after that.
He won his first Gold Glove in 1958 (the second year it was awarded and the first year it was awarded in both leagues). 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 National League in assists nine times, fielding percentage three times, and double plays eight times. Working with Gene Alley at short, Bill Mazeroski holds the major league record for double plays by a second baseman (1706).
He had 2,016 career hits, and while his Adjusted OPS+ was always below 100 during regular season play, he did have some power with 138 home runs. "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, hit off Ralph Terry.
After his playing career ended, Mazeroski was a coach for the 1973 Pirates and a member of the Seattle Mariners staff in 1979 and 1980.
"He is one of the greatest second baseman I've ever seen. He has all the tools and he has the desire." - George Sisler
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 7-time NL All-Star (1958-1960, 1962-1964 & 1967)
- 8-time NL Gold Glove Winner (1958, 160, 1961 & 1963-1967)
- Won two World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates (1960 & 1971)
- Baseball Hall of Fame: Class of 2001
[edit] Records Held
- Double plays, second baseman, career, 1706
- Double plays, second baseman, season, 161, 1966
