NEW: Former Red Sox Bill Buckner Passes Away at 69
GoLocalProv Sports Team
NEW: Former Red Sox Bill Buckner Passes Away at 69
Buckner is best known for his error in the 1986 World Series that cost the Red Sox game six against New York Mets. New York would go on to win the World Series in game 7.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“After battling the disease of Lewy Body Dementia Bill Buckner passed away early the morning of May 27 surrounded by his family. Bill fought with courage and grit as he did all things in life. Our hearts are broken, but we are at peace knowing he is in the arms of his lord and savior Jesus Christ,” said Buckner’s family in a statement to ESPN.
Buckner is survived by his wife, Jody, and three kids, Brittany, Christen, and Bobby.
The Error
The Red Sox led 5-3 in the bottom of the 10th inning of game six of the World Series against the Mets.
New York tied it with two runs in the inning, that brought Mookie Wilson to the plate.
On a 3-2 count against Red Sox reliever Bob Stanley, Wilson hit a slow roller up the first base line that went under Buckner’s glove and through his legs into right field.
The hit scored Ray Knight to give the Mets a 6-5 walk-off win.
The Mets went on to win game 7 and the World Series.
Buckner in Baseball
Buckner was a second-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968.
He played eight seasons with the Dodgers before being traded to the Chicago Cubs in 1977, before coming to the Red Sox.
Buckner played 22 seasons in the Major Leagues, making the All-Star team once and winning the batting title in 1980.
He retired from baseball in 1990, finishing his career with 2,715 hits, 1,208 RBIs, 1,077 runs scored and 174 home runs.