Bill Mazeroski's home run anniversary is beautiful reminder of Pirates crushing Yankees

As frustrated Pittsburgh Pirates fans are forced to endure yet another October without baseball, this weekend brings a reminder of happier times.

Sunday marks the 64th anniversary of the Pirates' 1960 World Series championship, which ended in dramatic fashion with Bill Mazeroski's walk-off home run to break a 9-9 tie and defeat the mighty New York Yankees in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7 at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh.

A Game 7, World Series-winning, walk-off home run was something that had never been done before; in fact, it hasn't been done since (Joe Carter's walk-off was in Game 6). More than six decades later, it remains one of the most iconic moments in Pittsburgh sports history. To this day, Oct. 13 has come to be known as "Mazeroski Day" in the Steel City.

Pirates' Bill Mazeroski reached legend status with walk-off game winner in 1960 World Series

Mazeroski played his entire career with the Pirates, from 1956-1972. He was a 10-time MLB All-Star, an eight-time Gold Glove Award winner at second base and a two-time World Series champion (he was also a member of the Pirates' 1971 World Series team). His No. 9 has been retired by the Pirates, and he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.

Mazeroski had a career batting average of .260, but he was known primarily throughout his career for his defensive prowess in the infield (hence the eight Gold Glove Awards). However, he hit .320 during the 1960 World Series and led his team with five RBI, four runs scored and two home runs.

He was not named the series MVP that year – that honor went to Yankees counterpart Bobby Richardson in a losing effort – but it didn't matter. Mazeroski brought a title to Pittsburgh and delivered one of the most exciting and memorable moments in the city's – and the sport's – history.

Mazeroski's legendary home run celebration was immortalized on its 50th anniversary in 2010 with a 14-foot statue that was unveiled outside PNC Park's right field gate. Behind the statue is a small section of the original outfield wall from Forbes Field, over which Mazeroski homered.

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