In the early/mid-'60s I was watching a Pirates/Reds game on TV from Crosley Field. The Reds' Gordy Coleman (not exactly a speed merchant) hit a grounder up the middle for a "sure" hit. Gene Alley, the Pirate shortstop, gloved the ball in short center field, back-flipped the ball to Billy Maz, who in one seemingly seamless movement, gloved, transferred the ball, pivoted, and threw to first base to beat Coleman - and it wasn't even close!

I remember KDKA replayed that play over and over again and it was like poetry to a young teenager who could only dream of performing such artistry. The Best? I've seen excellent second basemen in my 50-plus years but, oh yeah, Bill Mazeroski was THE BEST! Not even close. Congratulations, Billy Maz!

» Barry Lauer: Pgh boy, baseball nut, wanted to play professionally but the U.S. Army made him an offer he couldn't refuse in 1971. Saw his first game at old Forbes Field in 1956; has been in love with baseball ever since.