Mazeroski nominated as one of baseball's best

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Wednesday, March 7, 2007


BRADENTON, Fla. - Bill Virdon did a lot of unnecessary running because of Bill Mazeroski.

The two played together for the Pirates from 1956-68. Every time there was a play at second base, Virdon would sprint in from center field in case the ball got away from Mazeroski.

"I never got one because he caught them all," Virdon said, grinning. "I'd be running in, saying to myself, 'What am I doing?' "

Mazeroski earned his teammates' respect by winning eight Gold Gloves during his 17-year career. On Tuesday, Mazeroski discovered he received a spot on the ballot for the Rawlings All-Time Gold Glove Team.

Other candidates at second base include Roberto Alomar, Ryne Sandberg, Frank White and Joe Morgan. Online voting is being conducted at www.RawlingsGoldGlove.com.


Bill Mazeroski with Ernie Banks at 2006 All-Star Game festivities.

"That's quite an honor to be mentioned among all those guys," Mazeroski said yesterday. "I just wonder if the people who will remember me are too old to own a computer, so they won't be able to vote for me."

Mazeroski took more pride in his impeccable defense than anything he did at the plate, including the walkoff homer in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.

"I'd rather strike out four times in a row with the bases loaded than make one error," Mazeroski said.

Mazeroski, in the Pirates' spring camp to tutor the infielders, has been working closely with Freddy Sanchez at second base. Mazeroski is scheduled to return to Pittsburgh on Friday.