Pirates Charities announced today that they have teamed up with Pittsburgh native pop artist Burton Morris to
support the Mazeroski Statue project at PNC Park. To do so, three unique Burton Morris pieces will be available
for purchase beginning at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, June 17 in conjunction with the Pirates Charities On-FSN
Auction when the Bucs take on the Chicago White Sox at PNC Park.
Burton Morris used his distinctive, artistic style of bold colors and energetic shapes to capture legendary Hallof
Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski. One image shows Maz turning a double-play and a second depicts
what you might find on Bill’s night stand at home. Both are remarkable, and each provides a unique visual
portrayal of Maz as can only be seen through the eye – and hand – of Burton Morris.
A limited edition printed lithograph entitled “Maz Double-Play” is a tribute to Maz’ fielding prowess and show
the best fielding second baseman in the history of the game turning the double-play. There is also a Bill
Mazeroski “night stand” canvas print for the true Burton or Maz enthusiast. In recent years, Burton has created
“night stand” images. Each piece uses a series of icons portraying what the subject may have on their night
stand at home. Through these icons, Burton creates a unique portrait of the person he depicts. Among
Burton’s “night stand” subjects are Fred Rogers, Andy Warhol and Roberto Clemente. Now, Bill Mazeroski has
been added to that famous Pittsburgh line-up.
“Pirates Charities is extremely appreciative of Burton Morris’ interest in working with us on this project,” said
Frank Coonelly, Pirates President. “We were very proud to have Burton create the 2006 MLB All-Star logo when
Pittsburgh hosted the game, and are excited that he wanted to work with us at this time to honor Bill
Mazeroski. This is a great way for Pirates fans of all generations to share in our celebration of Maz and his
legendary achievements.”
“As I child growing up in Pittsburgh I followed the Pirates and Bill Mazeroski’s career. It is a great honor to be
able to help pay tribute to one of my childhood heroes,” Burton Morris stated.
The lithographs are 24” x 36” in size, and the canvas prints are 30” X 30”. Lithographs are available for $500
each and only 250 have been produced. Each have been hand-signed and numbered by Burton and Bill. There
are only nine canvas prints, which have also been hand-signed and numbered by Burton and Bill, and pricing for
these pieces is available upon request. Proceeds from all Burton Morris “Maz” artwork pieces will be used for
the exclusive purpose of building the Bill Mazeroski statue at PNC Park.
Fans wanting additional information or would like to place an order should visit http://www.pirates.com/mazart,
phone 1-877-MAZ-1960, or contact an authorized Burton Morris gallery. Burton Morris “Maz” Artwork will be
available beginning on Thursday, June 17 at 7:05 p.m.
Bill Mazeroski remains the only player in Major League Baseball history to hit a game-winning home run in
Game 7 of a World Series. His blast off New York’s Ralph Terry on October 13, 1960, gave the Bucs a 10-9
victory in the deciding game played at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh.
Elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001, the Pirates retired Mazeroski’s uniform #9 in 1987.
He was an eight-time Gold Glove Award recipient, seven-time All-Star and holds numerous Major League record
for second basemen, including most seasons leading the league in assists (nine), most double plays in a single
season (161 in 1966) and most career double plays (1,706).
For more information on Burton Morris and his work, please visit http://www.burtonmorris.com.
For additional information about this project, please contact Manager of Business Communications Matt Nordby via email at
matt.nordby@pirates.com.
Video Highlights of the 2010 Design, Art + Technology Awards and Exhibition
