Buckner, Wilson Reflect On 1986 World Series 25 Years Later
BOSTON (CBS) - It's one of those "Do you remember where you were?" moments for any Red Sox fan.
Twenty five years ago on Oct. 25, 1986, the Red Sox lost to the Mets 6-5 in Game 6 of the World Series. The Sox led 5-3 with two outs and no runners on in the 10th inning.
Then it all began to unravel.
"Unfortunately, it was the perfect storm, with the Red Sox not having won in all those years, and playing a New York team," said former Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner, who appeared on CBS's Early Show Tuesday morning.
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The Mets got three straight singles to make it 5-4. Clinging to a one-run lead with two outs and two runners on, the Red Sox called on reliever Bob Stanley, who then threw a wild pitch, allowing Met Kevin Mitchell to score, tying the game.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Joe Mathieu reports.
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Mets left fielder Mookie Wilson, who also appeared on the Early Show Tuesday, then hit a ground ball to first base that slipped under Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner's glove and through his legs. Buckner, who was hit by a pitch the previous inning, was charged with the error that allowed Mets third baseman Ray Knight to score the winning run. The Mets went on to win Game 7.
"It's crazy the way, it's 25 years later, people are still talking about it, and it was not the seventh game of the World Series, it was only the sixth. The game was tied, we might not have even won, but for some reason, it stuck," said Buckner.
"We have really come to accept our place in baseball history," added Wilson.
Buckner said the media, and not the fans, were responsible for blaming him for the World Series loss.
"The media kind of egged (the fans) on a little bit. You know, there are a lot of good fans, a lot of good people," said Buckner.
Buckner, who had a successful 22-year big-league career, has learned to move on from the error.
"A lot of things have happened, but I mean, it was just a baseball game. In reality, it wasn't life or death. And you can choose to look at life whatever way you want, I'm still very fortunate and I have a great family, God was very good to me. I had a great career, so life's good," said Buckner.
Buckner and Wilson appeared on the show to promote their involvement with Ronald McDonald charities. Click here for more information on donating.
