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Maz statue the right thing to do

28 January 2010 View Comments
   

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The title of this post kind of says it all.

All the beat writers last week gave us news that the Pirates were going to release details of a Bill Mazeroski statue that would be placed somewhere at PNC Park this season. Well, Dejan just dropped all of the details in a nice little piece on the Pittsburgh legend.

Obviously, as a 24-year-old, I never was able to see Mazeroski play. I have, however, seen all the footage. I watched him give his Hall of Fame speech and I’ve stood at the wall where his famous home run traveled to win the 1960 World Series. I played many softball games on what we called “Maz Field” at Pitt.

I know the history. And I’m glad the Pirates are making this move to honor such a great player and person.

Details of the statue, according to Dejan’s many sources:

The pose will be based on the indelible image of Mazeroski rounding second base — arms fully extended to his sides, the right hand twirling the cap, running seemingly on air — after his epic home run that beat the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.

The tentative location will be the circular, riverfront edge of the now aptly named Mazeroski Way, just outside PNC Park’s right-field entrance. Currently, there is a small overlook and bike rack there.

Second base, which was Mazeroski’s Gold Glove position, will be part of the display, just behind his figure.

The circular sidewalk near the statue would be converted to an infield-looking appearance — through chiseled and colored cement — allowing fans the chance to imagine running the bases with Mazeroski.

The sculpture will be complete at some point in the season’s second half but probably not in time for the Pirates’ 50th anniversary celebration of the 1960 title, June 18-19.

Be sure to read the entire piece. There really isn’t much I can add to this other than I think it’s great. There probably isn’t one person that thinks this is a bad idea. Congrats to you, Mr. Mazeroski.

For audio of Maz’s 1960 home run, click here. Also, Dejan has Maz’s reaction to the statue here. Enjoy the videos below.

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