Playing second base for the Pirates en route to the Hall of Fame, Bill Mazeroski could field just about anything hit in his general direction. What tied him up, and still does, are the accolades and the attention, trying to explain how he hit the most famous home run in World Series history or what it's like to have a statue created in your likeness.

"I'd rather strike out with the bases loaded," he joked.

His former teammate, Bob Friend, said Mazeroski "always played under the radar," which is exactly how he wanted it.

Great. Now he's been immortalized in bronze.

On his 74th birthday, the Pirates on Sunday unveiled, a 14 1/2 -foot high statue depicting Mazeroski 50 years ago at the apex of the franchise's defining moment, his World Series-winning home run against the star-laden New York Yankees.

A nine-time Gold Glove winner, "Maz" was defined more by his fielding than his hitting. But for as long as statues can last, he will perpetually be rounding second and joyfully waving his cap after hitting Ralph Terry's pitch over the 406-foot sign in left field at long-gone (except for a piece of the wall) Forbes Field.

The home run came leading off the ninth inning in the seventh and deciding game of the 1960 World Series and gave the Pirates a 10-9 victory that forged one of the greatest upsets ever.

"A life-changer for all of us," Friend said.

Sunday's ceremonies took place just outside PNC Park on a cul-de-sac at the end of Mazeroski Way, appropriately, beyond right field with the Allegheny River and city skyline providing a scenic backdrop. That's fitting, too; Mazeroski still rules the town. The statue is the fourth to adorn the outside of the ballpark. Maz joins the likenesses of Honus Wagner and teammates Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell.

Witnessed by fans in-person and watching inside the ballpark on the big video screen, joined by Pirates alumni, family members and team officials, four members of the 1960 team — Friend, ElRoy Face, Dick Groat and Bill Virdon, along with his sons, Darren and David and his grandson, Billy, lifted the cloth off the giant statue.

The weather was perfect, which Friend put into context. "Anybody else, and there'd be rain, and we'd have to go inside," he kidded.

Among the crowd was ex-Pirates pitcher John Candelaria, who did not play with Maz but still knows what he means to the city and the organization.

"He's a hero," the Candy Man said.

Owner Bob Nutting, who received a few boos, noted Mazeroski's generous spirit in working with young players and remaining an active member of the Pirates' family. Addressing Mazeroski, Nutting cited the "need to bring this franchise back up to the pride that you have demonstrated."

Naturally, the white-haired Mazeroski was practically overwhelmed by it all.

"Geez, how could anybody ever dream of something like this?" he said. "All I wanted to be was a ballplayer. I didn't need all of this."

He got it anyway. With his wife, Milene, by his side, Mazeroski's voice cracked and then he cried, a scene reminiscent of his memorable and touching 2001 Hall of Fame acceptance speech.

"It's a great feeling," he said.

As he has many times, Mazeroski mentioned several teammates and said the Pirates would have won even if he made an out.

Mazeroski played his entire career with the Pirates, from 1956 through 1972. He made eight All-Star teams and also contributed to the 1971 world championship team. Echoing a common sentiment, Friend labeled Maz "the greatest second baseman of all time."

Mazeroski grew up in Ohio but always will be known as a Pittsburgh guy. Long after he retired in 1972, he has remained an iconic and beloved local figure. Several fans, including Mark Rush of Connellsville, showed up for the unveiling a few hours early.

"I remember that home run," said Rush, 57. "The home run was significant, but you can never overlook what he could do as a second baseman. He was the best."

Pirates broadcaster and former pitcher Steve Blass, told the crowd that Mazeroski "taught me how to be a major leaguer." Blass said he attended "the University of Baseball" and that Maz was "one of my professors."

After the unveiling, Mazeroski took a lap inside the park in a 1960 Bentley convertible. He said a few words of thanks to the sparse crowd, threw out the first pitch and shook hands with the present-day Pirates prior to their game against the Nationals. Then he retreated inside where he had to talk about himself one more time.

Someone wished him a happy birthday.

"And the statue, and on your own street," he said, incredulous. "Holy cow, can it get any better than that• It's amazing."

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