1986 World Series Game 6 Buckner Error

Lore & Background

With the Red Sox leading the best-of-seven series three games to two but having allowed the Mets to tie the game with two runs in the bottom of the tenth, with two outs and a runner on second base, New York's Mookie Wilson hit a seemingly routine groundball along the first base foul line that Buckner, known to be playing through injury, was unable to field. The ball rolled between Buckner's legs and into right field, allowing the Mets' Ray Knight to come around from second to score the winning run. The win tied the series at three games each; New York completed another come-from-behind victory in Game 7 to win the championship.

Reader's Guide

Despite other mitigating factors—such as that the speedy Wilson may have been safe at first even if Buckner had fielded the ball, or that Boston's pitching had already squandered a two-run lead and that Buckner making the play would have merely prolonged the game and not clinched victory for Boston—the play is often known as the 'Buckner play' and the loss blamed on the play's eponymous figure. The play was long considered part of the Curse of the Bambino that kept the Red Sox from winning the World Series, and it led to years of fan anger and public mockery that Buckner handled graciously before being embraced by Red Sox fans again after their 2004 World Series victory. Buckner himself, though having played a lengthy 21-season career in Major League Baseball and amassing over 2,700 hits, remains most remembered for his error in the minds of many.

Did You Know?

• The Mets won Game 6 on Buckner's error, tying the series at three games each, then won Game 7 to take the championship.
• The Red Sox had not won the World Series in 68 years entering 1986, a drought often attributed to the Curse of the Bambino.