PITTSBURGH (93.7 the Fan)- Bill Buckner, the former Red Sox first baseman, passed away Monday at the age of 69.
Buckner passed away after battling Lewy Body Dementia.
"After battling the disease of Lewy Body Dementia, Bill Buckner passed away early the morning of May 27th surrounded by his family," Bill's wife, Jody, said in a statement via Jeremy Schaap. "Bill fought with courage and grit as he did all things in life. Out hearts are broken but we are peace knowing he is in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Just got off the phone with Jody Buckner, who called to me that her husband, the great Bill Buckner, one of the finest men I've known, died this morning. She wanted to share this statement: "After battling the disease of Lewy Body Dementia, (cont.)
— Jeremy Schaap (@JeremySchaap) May 27, 2019Bill Buckner passed away early the morning of May 27th 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."Bill was 69.
— Jeremy Schaap (@JeremySchaap) May 27, 2019Buckner played in the majors for 22 seasons, playing for the Dodgers, Cubs, Red Sox, Angels, and Royals, was an All-Star, and won a battling title in 1986.
It was the error heard round the world during the 1986 World Series that forever stamped his name in sports history.
During Game 6 of the Boston Red Sox' 1986 World Series run, Boston was in the lead 5-3 heading into the 10th inning against the Mets. The Mets tied the game with two runs when Mookie Wilson went to bat.
With a runner on second base, Wilson hit the ball towards Buckner, who watched as the ball went between his legs.
The Mets scored on the error, winning Game 6. The Mets went on to win The World Series.
Buckner faced unfair criticism for the play, and will forever be remembered for the grace he showed despite the blame placed on him.
In 2008, Buckner returned to Fenway on Opening Day to throw out the first pitch, and was greeted with roaring applause, marking an emotional moment in sports history.
RIP Bill Buckner. Here's a tear-inducing clip of him returning to Fenway on Opening Day in 2008 to thunderous applause. pic.twitter.com/MMW78UVk1H
— Dan O'Mara (@Dan_OMara) May 27, 2019-- From April 8, 2008: An emotional Bill Buckner after throwing out the first pitch at the 2008 #RedSox home opener #WBZ pic.twitter.com/4il1WYbcdl
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) May 27, 2019As the news broke of his passing, friends and fans paid tribute to the baseball legend:
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, 2019Unfairly villainized for making an error in a ballgame. We all should be as perfect as his critics. RIP, Bill Buckner. https://t.co/ubXG9rFqlA
— Ron Cook (@RonCookPG) May 27, 2019RIP Bill Buckner, a tremendous man and true class act.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 27, 2019I am extremely heartbroken and deeply hurt as I just received the sad news of the passing of my 82/83 Cubs teammate Bill Buckner this morning. Bill battled the disease of Lewy Body Dimentia. Bill worked tirelessly with my Fergie Jenkins Foundation. Condolences to his family. RIP pic.twitter.com/DMYBOMElMX
— Fergie Jenkins (@31fergiejenkins) May 27, 2019___Follow 93.7 The Fan: Facebook | Twitter | InstagramListen to 93.7 The Fan on the RADIO.COM App - Download Now
