Bill Buckner, who made a name for himself as one of baseball’s best first basemen, passed away on Memorial Day. He was 69.
Many will remember Bill Buckner as the guy who let a World Series championship slip between his legs in 1986.
That play, the infamous “behind the bag,” would overshadow the greatness that Buckner brought to the game; and boy, was Buckner great. He was much more than that one play. He is considered one of the best first basemen ever to play the game, and that infamous error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series should not diminish that.
We’re looking back on his career because, on Memorial Day, Buckner past away at the young age of 69. For years, he was battling Lewy Body Dementia, a progressive form of Alzheimer’s disease. He battled Lewy Bodies like a champ, in the same manner as he carried his MLB career.
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. I ll miss u Buck!
— Bobby Valentine (@BobbyValentine) May 27, 2019
Buckner was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968 and proceeded to play 22 seasons in The Show. In addition to first base, Buckner also played outfield but is best known for playing the former. He came into his own with the Chicago Cubs, winning an NL batting title in 1980, and going to the All-Star Game the very next year, his first and only appearance.
In 1984, the Cubs traded Buckner to the Boston Red Sox, who were in need of a first baseman, and in 1986, he had his greatest team success, helping the Red Sox reach the World Series. It was a series that most say is one of the greatest of all-time.
Buckner would play with the then-California Angeles, Kansas City Royals and a one-season stint with the Red Sox before retiring in 1990. He finished with a career .289 batting average, 2,715 hits, 174 home runs and 1,208 runs batted in.
If you asked us, that’s one heck of a career that overshadows any error on the diamond.
Rest in peace, Bill Buckner.