To the editor:

I was saddened to learn of the death of Bill “Maz” Mazeroski, a legend in our neck of the woods.

I first learned of him through my husband, Lamont, and friends, the main one being Jack Cebulka, who went from Smithfield High School to the Steubenville Barons, I believe.

The two basketball players from our high school proceeded to tell us the ins and outs of the sport and had great praise for a player on the team, Maz. We stood around so we could say hello, but he had to hurry home and finish his chores.

The next we heard of him was when a baseball game was being televised and went on to follow him, during his many years in baseball, from 1956 to 1972, with the Pirates, when he held down second base. He was a seven-time all-star during the years, and had much success and got the 1960 World Series win. He was named the Sporting News Player of 1960, winning the Babe Ruth Award as the outstanding player in the World Series.

We, in our Jefferson County community, followed him through the years. We mourn his loss to baseball, plus his dedication to his work and family.

And, the thing that I admired most was his getting up early every morning before school and fishing for the main dish of the evening, as food was scarce in the family.

Bless you, Maz — you made all in Jefferson County proud of you.

Esther McCoy

Dillonvale