BREAKING NEWS: Pittsburgh pirates Legend Bill Mazeroski Returns as Chief Baseball Officer In a monumental announcement, Pittsburgh pirates General manager Ben Cherington and family has officially declared that Bill Mazeroski the legendary second base and long-time face of the franchise, will return to the organization in 2025 as Senior coaching..……. see more

BREAKING NEWS: Pittsburgh Pirates Legend Bill Mazeroski Returns as Chief Baseball Officer

 In a stunning and heartfelt move that bridges the storied past with a hopeful future, the Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that Hall of Famer and franchise icon Bill Mazeroski will return to the organization in 2025 as the Chief Baseball Officer and Senior Coaching Advisor.

The announcement was made earlier today in a packed press conference at PNC Park, where Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington, flanked by members of the Mazeroski family, called the moment “a celebration of legacy, leadership, and love for the game.”

“Bill Mazeroski is not just a legend in Pittsburgh — he is Pittsburgh,” said Cherington. “His return marks a pivotal step in reconnecting our players and fans to the heart of what this franchise has always stood for: toughness, fundamentals, and playing the game the right way.”

A Hero’s Return

Mazeroski, now 89, is best known for hitting one of the most iconic home runs in Major League Baseball history — a walk-off blast in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series that gave the Pirates their first championship in 35 years. It remains the only Game 7 walk-off home run in World Series history.

Long revered for his glove as much as his bat, Mazeroski won eight Gold Glove Awards at second base and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001. Despite his retirement from coaching and the spotlight years ago, sources say Mazeroski never lost touch with the organization or the city.

“This isn’t just about baseball,” said team owner Bob Nutting. “This is about passing the torch, instilling a culture, and letting the younger generation learn from someone who’s lived every chapter of Pirates history.”

A New Role, A Familiar Face

While Mazeroski’s new title is Chief Baseball Officer, insiders suggest his day-to-day focus will be hands-on, working directly with infielders, mentoring minor league prospects, and advising Cherington and the front office on matters of player development, team culture, and scouting.

“I may be old school,” Mazeroski said with a chuckle, “but baseball’s about heart, hard work, and hustle. I’m here to help however I can — whether it’s fielding grounders or just telling stories over batting practice.”

Reactions Pour In

Social media erupted with excitement following the announcement, with former Pirates players, current MLB stars, and longtime fans voicing their support.

• Andrew McCutchen, current Pirates veteran: “Maz back in the building?! This is LEGENDARY.”
• Ken Griffey Jr., MLB Hall of Famer: “You don’t get many chances to learn from someone like Maz. Huge move for Pittsburgh.”
• Pirates fan page @BuccoNation: “We’re crying in black and gold. Welcome home, Mr. Mazeroski!”

Looking Ahead

The Pirates, coming off a rebuilding year, see Mazeroski’s return as more than ceremonial. As the team looks to mold its next generation of talent — including recent draft picks and emerging stars — the influence of a battle-tested icon could prove invaluable.

Cherington summed it up best:

“You can’t build a future without knowing your past. With Bill Mazeroski back in the fold, our future just got a whole lot brighter.”

About Bill Mazeroski:
Born in 1936 in Wheeling, West Virginia, Mazeroski spent his entire 17-year MLB career with the Pirates. Widely regarded as one of the best defensive second basemen in history, he played in seven All-Star Games and was a key part of the Pirates’ 1960 and 1971 World Series championship teams.