Bill Buckner R.I.P. Age 69

For those who want to define him by his gaffe in the 1986 World Series - Granted, it's one of the most important plays in WS history - think about the fact that he played 22 years in MLB. He won the 1980 batting title while with the Cubs. According to what I heard today, he never had a 3 SO game, and the most SOs he ever had in a season was 39. He's not HOF material, but for 22 years he didn't have to work at a real job. That's an admirable career. Too young gone.

 

The name did not mean anything to me, but I literally have not watched much major league ball in years.

I did some research and what you have indicated is a remarkable number of years playing ball. The 1986 error was an unfortunate incident, but apparently, a lot of fans never forgot the play. Thanks for sharing Sid.

 

My friend Mark Latimer was his roommate at USC. He used to tell me what a wonderful guy Buckner was long before he played for the Dodgers. He was the kind of man who had a lot of friends. He was a nice guy who played most of his career with a limp, because of a broken leg...

 

Anybody remember Bill Buckner appearing on Curb Your Enthusiasm?

 

Never saw that. Both funny and redeeming in a comedic sense. Larry David and/or his producers must have been Buckner fans.

 

That was really good.

 

Heard that in the 70's and 80's only Pete Rose had more hits than Buckner.

 

Everyone kicks the ball in life. Thankfully for Bill, his mistake only came in a baseball game and he still bounced back with grace and dignity. He's an example of what a man should strive to be on this journey around the sun.