Part 4/8:
As the Red Sox stood just three outs away from victory in Game 6, manager John McNamara chose to keep Buckner in the game rather than substitute for a healthier option, reasoning that Buckner deserved to be on the field for what could be the team’s crowning achievement. Tensions were high, and despite trailing earlier in the game, the Red Sox managed to take a two-run lead into the bottom of the tenth inning.
The Infamous Error
As the Mets rallied back, Buckner's worst fears materialized when a slow roller hit toward him bounded through his legs, leading to the tying runs scoring and ultimately resulting in the Red Sox losing the game. This singular moment eclipsed everything else about Buckner’s career; he became the poster child for failure within the realm of Boston sports.