Bill Buckner dies at 69 after battling dementia

[Gidney N Cloyd]

Bill Buckner dies at 69 after battling dementia

Bill Buckner, the longtime major leaguer whose error in the 1986 World Series for years lived in Red Sox infamy, died Monday.

"After battling the disease of Lewy Body Dementia, Bill Buckner passed away early the morning of May 27th surrounded by his family," his family said in a statement. "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."

He was 69.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26832836/bill-buckner-dies-69-battling-dementia

[BeyondGeography]

1. One of life's raw deals

to be remembered for that play. Over 2700 hits and a lifetime .289 hitter over 20-plus seasons. A great ballplayer.

RIP

[Gidney N Cloyd]

2. One of my favorites when he was with the Cubs.

Had a messed up ankle but you'd never hear a complaint or an excuse out of him.

[BeyondGeography]

3. Old school

That’s the spirit made the error possible of course. McNamara was obviously hoping the ball wouldn’t find him. Baseball...

[KatyMan]

5. Plus

While that contributed to the loss, it wasn't the reason for it. Great great ballplayer.

[BeyondGeography]

6. Always thought Rich Gedman got off real easy in comparison

The “wild pitch” that he could very easily have blocked set the whole disaster up.

[Docreed2003]

8. Exactly.

[Voltaire2]

4. I met him once at a company outing.

He was a celebrity guest and was gracious about the event that defined his place in baseball history.

[benld74]

7. Eff ESPN for leading with '86

Showing respect when needed most?
Eff ESPN!!!

[Gidney N Cloyd]

11. True.

Seemed like most news services went that route but still...

[Docreed2003]

9. ...

[shenmue]

10. Rest in peace

I was born and raised in Flushing. I will never forget that game.