Boston Red Sox Legend Bill Buckner Dies At Age 69
May 27, 2019, 12:56 PM
Former Boston Red Sox player Bill Buckner throws out the ceremonial first pitch at the MLB baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers on April 8, 2008 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Snyder-Pool/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Snyder-Pool/Getty Images)
BOSTON, Mass. – Former Boston Red Sox first baseman and 22-year MLB veteran Bill Buckner passed away at the age of 69, his family confirmed in a statement.
Buckner is known for the fielding error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series that allowed the New York Mets pick up a 6-5 victory. The Mets went on to win the title in Game 7.
He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round of the 1968 Major League Baseball Draft and was assigned to the Ogden Dodgers of the Pioneer League.
Buckner played seven seasons with the Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs, 3 years in Boston with the Red Sox, two seasons with both the California Angels and the Kansas City Royals before ending his career with the Red Sox in 1990.
A 1981 All-Star and the 1980 NL batting champion and appeared in two World Series, Buckner died of Lewy Body Dementia.
Four years ago, Buckner threw out the first pitch at a Salt Lake Bees game. KSL Sports’ Jeremiah Jensen caught up with him when he was in Salt Lake City.
Sad to learn of the passing of Bill Buckner. I had a chance to meet him and had a great conversation for this story 4 years ago. He wouldn't allow one play to define him. 22 years in @MLB with the Dodgers, Cubs, Red Sox, Angels and Royals. All-Star and won a batting title. #RIP pic.twitter.com/Um8G93cRfm
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) May 27, 2019
