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Buckner was also no slouch defensively, though he faced challenges. He held records for defensive assists but, unfortunately, injuries began to affect his performance. An ankle injury sustained in 1975 haunted him throughout his career, manifesting in a series of issues that significantly impacted his mobility on the field despite his determination to play.
The Lead-Up to That Moment
By the time the Boston Red Sox faced off against the New York Mets in the 1986 World Series, Buckner was clearly battling pain but remained committed to his team's quest for their first championship in 68 years. His struggles began to mount in the postseason as he suffered through lingering injuries and was clearly not at his best in the final games leading up to that tragic moment.