Bill Mazeroski home run history still stands unmatched in 2026, more than six decades after it delivered a World Series championship to the Pittsburgh Pirates. On October 13, 1960, Mazeroski hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7, defeating the New York Yankees 10–9 at Forbes Field. No other player has ended a Game 7 of the World Series with a home run.
That singular moment continues to define October drama in Major League Baseball. Here is a detailed look at the game, the context, and why the swing still matters today.
The 1960 World Series: Pirates vs. Yankees
The 1960 World Series matched two franchises with very different expectations.
The New York Yankees entered as heavy favorites. Their roster included:
- Mickey Mantle
- Roger Maris
- Yogi Berra
- Whitey Ford
The Yankees had dominated much of the 1950s and were accustomed to championship pressure.
The Pittsburgh Pirates, managed by Danny Murtaugh, relied on balanced pitching and timely offense. They did not carry the same star power, but they played disciplined baseball throughout the season.
The series went the full seven games.
A Series of Extremes
The 1960 World Series featured dramatic contrasts.
The Yankees won three games in dominant fashion, including lopsided victories. Despite that, the Pirates won four tightly contested games.
In fact, New York outscored Pittsburgh by a wide margin across the series. However, the Pirates won the games that mattered most.
That pattern set the stage for a tense Game 7 at Forbes Field.
Game 7: October 13, 1960
Game 7 delivered immediate intensity.
The Yankees scored early. The Pirates answered. Momentum shifted repeatedly throughout the afternoon.
By the late innings, the score was tied 9–9.
Forbes Field buzzed with anticipation as the bottom of the ninth inning began.
Leading off the inning for Pittsburgh was second baseman Bill Mazeroski.
The Swing That Ended It
Facing Yankees pitcher Ralph Terry, Mazeroski stepped into the batter’s box.
On a 1–0 pitch, he drove the ball deep toward left field.
The ball cleared the wall at Forbes Field.
The Pirates won 10–9.
Players poured onto the field. Fans rushed from the stands. The World Series ended instantly.
The Bill Mazeroski home run secured Pittsburgh’s third championship in franchise history.
Why This Home Run Remains Unique
Many postseason games have ended dramatically. However, this moment stands alone.
As of 2026:
- It remains the only walk-off home run in a Game 7 of the World Series.
- It ended a championship in the final inning.
- It occurred in a winner-take-all contest.
Other World Series home runs have clinched titles. Joe Carter’s 1993 home run ended Game 6. Kirk Gibson’s 1988 homer won Game 1.
Mazeroski’s blast is the only one that concluded a Game 7.
That record still stands.
Bill Mazeroski’s Career Overview
Bill Mazeroski spent his entire 17-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Career highlights include:
- 10 All-Star selections
- Multiple Gold Glove Awards
- Renowned defensive skill at second base
- Hall of Fame induction in 2001
Mazeroski built his reputation on defense, not power hitting.
He hit 138 home runs during his career. None matched the impact of the one he hit in October 1960.
Statistical Snapshot of the Moment
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | October 13, 1960 |
| Stadium | Forbes Field |
| Opponent | New York Yankees |
| Pitcher | Ralph Terry |
| Inning | Bottom of the 9th |
| Final Score | Pirates 10, Yankees 9 |
| Series Result | Pirates win 4–3 |
These numbers remain part of official MLB records.
Forbes Field and Its Lasting Mark
Forbes Field served as the Pirates’ home from 1909 to 1970.
Although the stadium was demolished in the 1970s, part of the original outfield wall remains preserved near the University of Pittsburgh campus.
A marker indicates where Mazeroski’s home run cleared the fence.
Fans continue to visit the site.
The location stands as a physical reminder of the moment.
Recognition in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh honors Mazeroski’s achievement in several ways.
At PNC Park, a statue of Bill Mazeroski celebrates the iconic swing.
The franchise commemorates milestone anniversaries of the 1960 championship.
Local sports history frequently revisits the game during postseason coverage.
For Pittsburgh fans, the home run remains a defining sports memory.
Impact on the Yankees Legacy
The Yankees’ loss in 1960 remains one of the most surprising defeats in franchise history.
Despite scoring more runs overall in the series, New York did not secure the championship.
The Game 7 loss ended their title bid in dramatic fashion.
Ralph Terry later returned to the World Series stage in 1962 and pitched successfully.
Still, his name remains linked to that pitch in 1960.
Hall of Fame Recognition
Bill Mazeroski was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.
His defensive excellence played a central role in his induction.
The Game 7 home run remains the signature highlight of his career.
Hall of Fame plaques and exhibits continue to feature the moment as part of baseball’s postseason history.
October Legacy in 2026
Each postseason, broadcasters replay the clip.
As of today:
- No Game 7 walk-off home run has matched it.
- No World Series finale has duplicated its exact scenario.
The moment continues to rank among the greatest finishes in professional sports.
Baseball historians consistently include it in discussions of iconic October moments.
Why It Still Resonates
The Bill Mazeroski home run represents more than a statistic.
It symbolizes:
- The unpredictability of baseball
- The power of one swing
- The possibility of underdog triumph
Few sports moments deliver championship finality in a single at-bat.
That is what makes October 13, 1960 unforgettable.
Comparison With Other Postseason Classics
While baseball has seen dramatic finishes, none mirror this exact combination of circumstances.
Other famous moments include:
- Carlton Fisk’s 1975 World Series home run
- Joe Carter’s 1993 championship clincher
- David Freese’s 2011 postseason heroics
Yet none ended a Game 7 of the World Series with one swing.
Mazeroski’s blast remains singular.
The Enduring Record
More than 65 years later, the record remains intact.
Every October, fans wonder whether another Game 7 will produce a similar moment.
As of 2026, it has not happened.
That enduring uniqueness keeps the moment alive in baseball history.
The Bottom Line
Bill Mazeroski home run history continues to define postseason greatness. His Game 7 walk-off on October 13, 1960, remains the only one of its kind in World Series history. It secured a championship for the Pittsburgh Pirates and carved his name permanently into baseball lore.
Decades later, that swing still echoes through October baseball.
Where does the 1960 Game 7 home run rank among your favorite World Series memories? Share your thoughts and celebrate one of baseball’s most unforgettable moments.