• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Bill Buckner, former batting champion infamous for World Series error, dead at 69

Bill Buckner, former batting champion infamous for World Series error, dead at 69

May 27, 2019
New York Jets Now Inherit A Not-So-Flattering “Title”

New York Jets Now Inherit A Not-So-Flattering “Title”

April 14, 2021
NFL Draft

New England Patriots Mock Draft Version 2.0

April 14, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Washington Selects a “Big Man On Campus” at 51

Washington Selects a “Big Man On Campus” at 51

April 13, 2021
2019 ‘Mike’s Mock’ NFL Draft: New England Patriots

A Clare Perspective: The Sugar Fix Addiction that is the NFL Draft

April 13, 2021
Grading the NHL Trade Deadline – April 12

Grading the NHL Trade Deadline – April 12

April 13, 2021
Jordie Benn Ready to “Taste the Playoffs Again” in Winnipeg

Jordie Benn Ready to “Taste the Playoffs Again” in Winnipeg

April 13, 2021
Islanders’ Division Rivals Got Better Too At Trade Deadline

Islanders’ Division Rivals Got Better Too At Trade Deadline

April 13, 2021
Chicago Bears: Team Should Make Trade With Baltimore Ravens

Chicago Bears: Team Should Make Trade With Baltimore Ravens

April 13, 2021
senators

Five Takeaways from Senators GM Pierre Dorion

April 13, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: David Moore

April 13, 2021
2021 Dolphins Draft Prospect: Center Landon Dickerson

2021 Dolphins Draft Prospect: Center Landon Dickerson

April 13, 2021
Legend, By Example: Patriots WR Julian Edelman Announces Retirement

Legend, By Example: Patriots WR Julian Edelman Announces Retirement

April 12, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home MLB American League AL Central

Bill Buckner, former batting champion infamous for World Series error, dead at 69

Curtis Rawls by Curtis Rawls
May 27, 2019
in AL Central, AL East, AL West, American League, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Featured, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, MLB Featured, National League, National Stories, News, NL Central, NL West, World Series
Reading Time: 5min read
0
Bill Buckner, former batting champion infamous for World Series error, dead at 69
1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Bill Buckner, a first baseman whose error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series overshadowed an otherwise productive 22-year career in Major League Baseball, has died at the age of 69.

Buckner’s death was confirmed by his wife, Jody, to ESPN reporter Jeremy Schaap. He had suffered from Lewy Body Dementia.

More FromFPC

New York Jets Now Inherit A Not-So-Flattering “Title”

New York Jets Now Inherit A Not-So-Flattering “Title”

April 14, 2021

Grading the NHL Trade Deadline – April 12

April 13, 2021

Legend, By Example: Patriots WR Julian Edelman Announces Retirement

April 12, 2021

Taylor Hall Has To Embrace Bruins’ High Expectations, Not Lower Them

April 12, 2021

“After battling the disease of Lewy Body Dementia, Bill Buckner passed away early the morning of May 27th surrounded by his family,” the family said in a statement. “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.”

William Joseph Buckner was born Dec. 14, 1949 in Vallejo, Cal. and grew up in nearby American Canyon. In addition to playing baseball, he was also an all-state wide receiver in high school.

Buckner was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round (25th overall) of the 1968 Major League Baseball Draft. He played for the Dodgers (1969-76), Chicago Cubs (1977-84), Boston Red Sox (1984-87, 1990), California Angels (1987-88), and Kansas City Royals (1988-89).

He was an extremely underrated left-handed contact hitter who never struck out more than 39 times in a season. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the only other player in the Expansion Era with at least 10,000 plate appearances who struck out less frequently than Buckner was the Hall of Fame right fielder Tony Gwynn.

Buckner was the National League batting champion in 1980 (.324) and made his only All-Star Game appearance the following season. His lifetime batting average was .289 with 2,715 hits, 174 home runs, 1,077 runs scored, and 1,208 runs batted in. However, Buckner’s career in the majors would be immortalized by one play.

Oct. 25, 1986: the Red Sox were one out away from a series-clinching victory in the bottom of the 10th inning when Mookie Wilson stepped up to bat. With a 3-2 count off reliever Bob Stanley and Ray Knight on second base, Wilson hit a soft grounder that bounced up the first base line. It was a seemingly routine play, but Buckner went down to snatch the ball up it went between his legs and rolled into right field.

“Behind the bag! It gets through Buckner!” legendary sportscaster Vin Scully said in the broadcast for NBC.

Knight scored the go-ahead run to give the Mets a 6-5 victory. Two days later, the Mets bested Boston 8-5 in Game 7 for the franchise’s second and most recent World Series crown. The so-called Curse of the Bambino wouldn’t be exorcised for another 18 years.

Buckner’s teammates rallied around him, saying Boston wouldn’t have been in the World Series without him.

“No one played harder than Bill,” right fielder Dwight Evans said. “No one prepared themselves as well as Bill Buckner did, and no one wanted to win as much as Bill Buckner.”

The sentiments of Buckner’s teammates were not shared by many Red Sox fans, despite the fact the Mets tied the game on a wild pitch before the infamous play.

“When that ball went through Bill Buckner’s legs, hundreds of thousands of people did not just view that as an error, they viewed that as something he had done to them personally,” Boston Globe columnist Bob Ryan said years later.

After his 1990 retirement, Buckner and his family remained in Massachusetts. He was subjected to constant heckling from fans and criticism from the media that escalated into death threats. It proved to be so much that Buckner moved his family to a ranch he bought in Idaho.

When the Red Sox invited him to a ceremony at Fenway Park honoring the 20th anniversary of the 1986 team, Buckner declined. However, the relationship between Buckner and Red Sox Nation eventually thawed. The first step towards reconciliation was in 2004, when the Red Sox vanquished the Yankees and swept the St. Louis Cardinals en route to the franchise’s first World Series title since 1918.

At the 2008 home opener, the Red Sox celebrated their second World Series championship in four years. It was a festive occasion with many current and past Boston sports legends. Among them was Bill Buckner. He came out from an enormous American flag draped over the Green Monster. When he was introduced to the Opening Day crowd, they gave him a standing ovation that lasted nearly 2 minutes. Buckner delivered the ceremonial first pitch to his former teammate Evans with tears in his eyes…and the crowd at Fenway went bananas.

“I really had to forgive, not the fans of Boston per se, but I would have to say in my heart I had to forgive the media,” Buckner said when asked why he returned to Fenway. “For what they put me and my family through. So, you know, I’ve done that and I’m over that. And I’m just happy that I just try to think of the positive. The happy things.”

Buckner became a coach at the conclusion of his playing career, including a stint as a hitting coach with the Chicago White Sox in 1996 and 1997. He also served as manager of the Brockton Rox, an independent team based in Brockton, Mass. In addition, Buckner also worked in real estate.

Former Major League outfielder/manager Bobby Valentine was selected by the Dodgers in the first round of the ’68 Draft and played three seasons with Buckner. He offered his condolences on Twitter: “As I clear my head and hold back the tears I know I will always remember Billy Buck as a great hitter and a better friend. He deserved better. Thank god for his family. Ill miss you Buck.”

Wilson, who became linked to Buckner because of one play, was “saddened” over Buckner’s passing.

“We had developed a friendship that lasted well over 30 years,” Wilson said in a statement. “I felt badly for some of the things he went through. Bill was a great, great baseball, whose legacy should not be defined by one play.”

Buckner is survived by his wife, Jody, daughter, Brittany, and sons Christen and Bobby.

– Curtis Rawls is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage. Please like and follow on Facebook and Twitter. Curtis can be followed on Twitter @CuRawls203.

Tags: 1986 World SeriesBill BucknerMLB
Share608Tweet380
Previous Post

Talkamania – Ep 108 – Money In The Bank Fallout; AEW Double Or Nothing; The One From Florida

Next Post

Cleveland Cavaliers Release Update On Owner Dan Gilbert

Curtis Rawls

Curtis Rawls

Next Post
Dan Gilbert

Cleveland Cavaliers Release Update On Owner Dan Gilbert

WWE Raw Recap, Grades, & Opinion: May 27, 2019

WWE Raw Recap, Grades, & Opinion: May 27, 2019

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • It's Over.....The Master's and The Beer God's Did Us a Solid
    by Full Press Coverage on April 13, 2021 at 8:04 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44322216/ep_23_fpr.mp3
  • Brock Talks - Apr. 13, 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on April 13, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/6F48GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6517810548.mp3?updated=1618342546
  • Ep 43: Falcons Talk With D. Orlando Ledbetter
    by Full Press Coverage on April 13, 2021 at 5:40 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44320259/eyetest_ep43.mp3
  • Ep.233: Mistakes, Incompetence, and Murder
    by Full Press Coverage on April 13, 2021 at 3:21 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1167213732.mp3?updated=1618367741
  • Ep #100: Chiefs Draft Deep Dive: Offensive Linemen
    by Full Press Coverage on April 13, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4526838532.mp3
  • Ep.222: Eternally Targeted
    by Full Press Coverage on April 13, 2021 at 5:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6421292541.mp3?updated=1618284791
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 37 - Kyrie Shares Thoughts on the N-Word After Ejection
    by Full Press Coverage on April 13, 2021 at 1:03 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44310956/pick_4_12.mp3
  • "Free Agents....Kinda"
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 11:26 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4664755665.mp3
  • Ep 59: Bruins Swing Big At Trade Deadline
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 8:48 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1538735570.mp3?updated=1618261081
  • Ep.91: King's Eye View
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 4:29 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3783486604.mp3?updated=1618245114

  • 4/12 - Weekend Wrap, Vaccine Recap, Ed O'Neal, NHL Trade Deadline
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44303436/adv5842490920.mp3
  • 4/9 - Wrestlemania, 2024 Glendon/D'Abate Ticket, and Julian Edelman
    by Full Press Coverage on April 9, 2021 at 2:02 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44272056/adv5505172386.mp3
  • 4/8 - More Cowbell, Sports Movies, Space Adventures, and More
    by Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44258247/adv6567559796.mp3
  • 4/7 - Documentaries, Aaron Rodgers, and More With John Sapochetti
    by Full Press Coverage on April 7, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44242041/adv1869381289.mp3
  • 4/6 - Baylor Beats Gonzaga, Vaccines and Gil Hill, Sam Darnold To Panthers
    by Full Press Coverage on April 6, 2021 at 2:53 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44221388/adv9103610065.mp3
  • 4/5 - Married With Children, Vaccines, Red Sox, and More
    by Full Press Coverage on April 5, 2021 at 11:27 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44211047/adv7870235805.mp3
  • 3/30 - John Sapochetti Joins The Show
    by Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2021 at 6:17 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44133895/adv6448062767.mp3
  • 3/29 - Dolphins/49ers Trade; Jimmy G's Future; Cam and The Patriots
    by Full Press Coverage on March 29, 2021 at 2:27 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44099239/adv6405979487.mp3
  • 3/25 - RIP Jessica Walter, King Kong, NFL headlines
    by Full Press Coverage on March 27, 2021 at 2:27 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44072622/adv1740052945.mp3
  • 3/24 - Wrestlemania VII Memories, Patriots Free Agency, and NBA Talk With John Sapochetti
    by Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2021 at 1:53 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44042109/adv3394145997.mp3

  • 37 Thoughts on Wrestlemania 37 Night Two
    by Evan Gomes on April 12, 2021 at 2:09 pm

    37 Thoughts About Wrestlemania 37 Night Two 1. No rain delays on our Wrestlemania Sunday. It was a […]

  • Wrestlemania 37 Night Two Predictions
    by Evan Gomes on April 11, 2021 at 5:17 pm

    Wrestlemania 37 Night Two Predictions After an exciting Night One, we’ve still got another round […]

  • 37 Thoughts on Wrestlemania 37 Night One
    by Evan Gomes on April 11, 2021 at 3:45 am

    37 Thoughts on Wrestlemania 37 Night One The weather at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa had the […]

  • Wrestlemania 37 Night One Predictions
    by Evan Gomes on April 10, 2021 at 8:34 pm

    Wrestlemania 37 Night One Predictions The Showcase of The Immortals is here! Wrestlemania 37 is […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 58: Beth Phoenix
    by Evan Gomes on April 10, 2021 at 2:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

More Wrestling News

  • Grading the NHL Trade Deadline – April 12
    by Michael Augello on April 13, 2021 at 10:43 pm

    With the NHL trade deadline in the rearview mirror, we are dishing out grades for every move. The […]

  • Jordie Benn Ready to “Taste the Playoffs Again” in Winnipeg
    by Carter Brooks on April 13, 2021 at 10:30 pm

    Jordie Benn found out about his trade to Winnipeg on Monday via a text message from former […]

  • Flyers Sign Laughton, Deal Gustafsson And Raffl On Deadline Day
    by Carol Schram on April 13, 2021 at 9:14 pm

    The Philadelphia Flyers did not add at the trade deadline, instead re-signing Scott Laughton while […]

  • Perfetti, Moose Jump Back Into Second Place With 5-1 Win Monday
    by Carter Brooks on April 13, 2021 at 9:01 pm

    Entering Monday's game with four assists in his past two outings against Belleville, Cole Perfetti […]

  • Islanders’ Division Rivals Got Better Too At Trade Deadline
    by Curtis Rush on April 13, 2021 at 6:03 pm

    While the Islanders made trade-deadline moves, their East Division rivals kept pace by adding key […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 59: Bruins Swing Big At Trade Deadline
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 9:48 pm

    Ian and Chris welcome in Mike Cratty to discuss the trade acquisitions of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/31287822/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-12%2Ff58714b8-6022-3934-eaa5-6290cfb68d8c.mp3
  • Ep 58: Chris' Trip To TD Garden, Bruins Trade Target Goes Elsewhere, Injuries, and the Capitals
    by Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2021 at 6:33 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss Blackey's return to the Garden, the Islanders trade […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/30997504/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-8%2Ff5ad8b3a-4858-ae42-2228-24fde2fee0c2.mp3
  • Ep 57: Trade Deadline Talk w/ Mike Cratty
    by Full Press Coverage on April 1, 2021 at 5:34 pm

    Mike Cratty joins Ian and Chris to discuss the Bruins win over the Devils, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/30509893/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-1%2Feda15c50-e46c-8460-b62e-0f602613cda3.mp3
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage