'It Gets Through Buckner:' Old Foes Sign Autographs for Local Fans

It’s one of those “Do you remember where you were?” moments for Mets fans when one of the most infamous errors in baseball history propelled New York to victory in the World Series.

The players involved in the 1986, World Series game six play — Mets left fielder Mookie Wilson and Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner — signed autographs for fans Sunday at the Legends Gallery in Chatham.

I was one of those lucky 55,078 fans who saw the play live in Shea Stadium Oct. 25, 1986, as the Mets came back from 5-3 down with two outs and no runners on in the 10th inning.

The Mets got three straight singles to make it 5-4. Clinging to a one-run lead with two outs and two runners on, the Red Sox called on reliever Bob Stanley, who threw a wild pitch, allowing Met Kevin Mitchell to score, tying the game.

Wilson then hit a ground ball to first base that slipped under Buckner’s glove and through his legs. Buckner was charged with the error that allowed Mets third baseman Ray Knight to score the winning run. The Mets went on to win game seven to become World Series champs.

Since then Wilson and Buckner have been forever linked. They have also come to accept their place in baseball history. While the autograph signings are not as frequent as they once were they still get together a handful of times each year to meet fans and sign autographs.

When asked what they enjoyed most about their autograph sessions Buckner said  "just the time to talk to Mookie and get to know each other."

"As players," Wilson replied "we feel each other's pain. Each time we get
together I learn something new about Bill and his family."