Earlier this month, baseball and its fans lost another all-time great when Hall of Fame Pirates legend Bill Mazeroski passed away at the age of 89. In honor of his legacy, I present a Top 5 tribute of cards, consisting of the 3 cards of his I own plus 2 favored classics.
1957 Topps #24 Bill Mazeroski (RC)
I do not own either of these first two cards. Mazeroski began his MLB career in 1956 at the age of 19 and would continue having a 17-year career.
1961 Topps #312 - 1960 World Series Game #7
- Mazeroski's Homer Wins It! (WS)
Although his claim to fame was his otherworldly defense, his single defining moment was his walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series. It's one of the greatest upsets in all of sports, as the juggernaut Yankees were playing in their 10th World Series in the past 12 years. (They actually outscored the Pirates in that series 55-27!)
1970 Topps #440 Bill Mazeroski
Of course Mazeroski's Hall of Fame resume is based largely on his defense. One of the greatest fielders ever, he won 8 Gold Gloves in a 10 year span. He led the league in putouts 5 times, assists 9 times, and double plays for 8 straight years! His 1706 double plays is still the record for 2nd basemen.
1971 Topps #110 Bill Mazeroski
Maz won a second World Series with the Pirates in 1971. By then, he was relegated to part-time duty, and would eventually retire after the 1972 season at the age of 35.
2016 Topps Archives #118 Bill Mazeroski
The 10-time All-Star spent 15 years on the Hall of Fame ballot without getting elected, but was finally given his due by the Veterans Committee in 2001.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Mazeroski.
A great player. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the last two cards are from the same photo session. Almost have a sportflics thing going on with the swing
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