1986 World Series Game 6: A Group Effort

Before the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series in eighty-six years in 2004, there were three names that were lamented by fans. Bucky Dent, Aaron Boone, and Bill Buckner. For years people blamed him for Boston losing the 1986 World Series when his error allowed Mets player Ray Knight to score from second base. As the ball passed through his legs Knight sprinted home on air in celebration that they were still in the fight. 

The Red Sox blowing the lead of Game 6 of the World Series does not fall solely on Buckner, he was merely the crushing blow. In big sports moments many fans tend to forget the moments that happen before a historic event occurs. Well, I am here to tell you that entering the bottom of the tenth inning the Red Sox had a 5-2 lead thanks to a home run by Dave Henderson and an RBI single by Marty Barrett. Down to their last out the Mets were aided by three straight hits by Gary Carter, Kevin Mitchell, and Ray Knight. The three-run lead was now just one run, with runners at the corners. John McNamara emerged from the dugout to bring in Bob Stanley to relieve Calvin Schiraldi. Stanley would face speedy left fielder Mookie Wilson.

Wilson battled in the at bat, working the count to two balls and two strikes. The 2-2 pitch was thrown at Wilson’s legs, which he was narrowly able to avoid allowing the ball to go to the backstop. As result Kevin Mitchell sprinted home to tie the game. 

Have you noticed I haven’t mentioned Buckner once? The Red Sox had the lead and now the game is tied. Did Buckner have anything to do with it to this point? No. 

Mookie Wilson grounded the next pitch down the first baseline, while Buckner tried to field, the ball continued through his legs and Ray Knight scored the winning run. The Red Sox had been stunned, their fans on the other hand must not have been in total shock seeing as this was what usually happened since 1918 when they got close to tasting victory. 

Buckner was the crushing blow in this game, but the majority of the blame should be placed upon Schiraldi and Stanley for being unable to get the final outs. I am not a huge fan of playing the what if game because there are infinite possibilities of things that could have happened. But if you’ll indulge me, let’s simply say that if Stanley does not throw the 2-2 pitch in the dirt, there are still runners at the corners and then the same thing ensues on the next pitch and the ball goes through Buckner’s legs, the game would be tied but not lost. Schiraldi and Stanley are as much to blame for Boston’s failure as Buckner.