Remembering Bill Mazeroski

On behalf of Pirates players like Andrew McCutchen and diehard fans like myself, I’m dedicating today & the upcoming shows to the legendary Hall of Fame Pirate, Bill Mazeroski.

Growing up as a young diabetic kid in a small, blue-collar town like Pittsburgh, I was raised on the stories – especially the one about Maz hitting that unforgettable game-winning home run against the mighty Yankees in the 1960 World Series. I wasn’t there, but hearing that moment retold became part of the family lore that ingrained my hope, faith and lifelong love of baseball.

I know it left a little bittersweet pain for greats like Bob Costas and my friend Yankees manager Aaron Boone, but for kids like me, it meant something powerful: No matter the odds…you’ve always got a chance.

Rest in peace, Maz. Thank you for the inspiration.