CINCINNATI – Darren Mazeroski figured the Pirates would do something, likely wearing a patch on their uniforms to honor his late father.
But the fact that they waited until the home opener at PNC Park to unveil a Bill Mazeroski patch made the gesture that much more touching for the younger Mazeroski, who works for the Pirates as an area scouting supervisor.
“I thought that was a really nice touch,” said Mazeroski, who joined the organization in October 2005. “I knew they were going to [wear patches]. But the fact that they’re waiting for Opening Day to debut it, it makes it even more special.”
Friday’s 4:12 p.m. contest against the Orioles will certainly bring a range of emotions, and the Mazeroski family isn’t alone.
The Pirates will also honor the life and legacies of Dave Giusti and Elroy Face, who also passed away earlier this year. Giusti died Jan. 11 at age 86, Face Feb. 12 at 97.
Combine them with Mazeroski (Feb. 20 at 89), and it’s been a rough stretch for former Pirates. But the Pirates also have plenty to lift up when it comes to the greatness of those three and more.
“They were all huge parts of great Pirates teams,” Mazeroski said. “To have everybody there and get to honor the families, it’s humbling to be part of something like that. It’s special.”
Face was a three-time All-Star who holds franchise records for most appearances (802) and saves (188), as well as the National League record for most wins in relief (96).
Giusti led all MLB pitchers in saves (127) from 1970-75. He also ranks third all-time among Pirates pitchers in saves (133), seventh in ERA (2.92) and eighth in games (410).
Mazeroski won eight Gold Gloves and two World Series championships. He was a seven-time All-Star in 17 seasons and is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y.
The patch itself is perfect for the understated Mazeroski. It’s a circular number nine with black and gold trim when it’s a white background, gold trim when the background is black.
The number itself is outlined in gold on both the black and white versions.
Aside from his glove work that made him the greatest defensive second baseman ever, Bill Mazeroski was known for his humility, for being the polar opposite of self-aggrandizing.
The patch fits his personality.
“Its simplicity is beautiful,” Darren Mazeroski said. “But he probably wouldn't want the fuss to be made in the first place. He’d probably grumble about it.”
Pirates fans will do the opposite of grumbling on Friday. The debut of the patch, plus welcoming the Mazeroski, Face and Giusti families back for the home opener, will allow everyone to properly celebrate three Pirates legends who accomplished so much.
The Mazeroski family will be right in the middle of it, humbled by the attention but also grateful for such a strong bond with the Pirates and their fans.
“It’s just humbling,” Mazeroski said. “That’s really it. Talking with my brother [David] and his family … that the Pirates would think to do something like that for the whole year, it’s emotional and really means a lot.”
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH on X.