“Was Mazeroski’s Game 7 home run or the Immaculate Reception the greatest moment in Pittsburgh sports history?”

Excellent question from last week’s Mailbag, but there is only one clear and unequivocal response which I will reveal shortly.

As Pittsburgh fans, we have been very fortunate to witness many outstanding achievements by some of the greatest athletes and teams in MLB, NFL and NHL history.

The NFL rated the Immaculate Reception as the greatest play in its first 100 years. No doubt, it was, is and always will be a memorable and exciting play which won a playoff game.

Mazeroski’s home run won the World Series, bringing the Steel City its first world championship in 35 years.

It took down the vaunted Yankees of Stengel, Mantle, Berra, Ford, Howard and Maris.

It’s not only the greatest moment in the history of Pittsburgh sports but also the greatest home run in the history of baseball.

It’s still the only World Series Game 7 to end on a home run. Giants’ fans will argue that Bobby Thomson’s homer on Oct. 3, 1951 is the greatest of all-time, but like the Immaculate Reception, it won a playoff game and nothing more.

Bill Mazeroski authored the greatest moment in Pittsburgh sports history.

Kirk J. Dodson

Duncansville