Former MLB player Bill Buckner died at the age of 69 on Monday, his family has confirmed.
Buckner’s wife, Jody Buckner, told ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap that her husband passed away early Monday morning after battling a disease called Lewy Body Dimentia.
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, 2019
Bill 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, 2019
Buckner will be best remembered for committing one of the most costly errors in Boston Red Sox history when he allowed a ground ball to get through him in the 10th inning of the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets. The play was one of many that convinced Red Sox fans the team was cursed after trading Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees, as they had previously not won a title since 1918. They didn’t break the “curse” until 2004.
While that play is that one that will stick out, Buckner played 22 MLB seasons for five different teams. He was named an All-Star in 1981 and won the NL batting title in 1980. The first baseman and outfielder compiled 2,715 hits and batted .289 for his career.
