WINONA LAKE – During a career in which he played 22 seasons in the major leagues, Bill Buckner has stood before millions of baseball fans. Tuesday night at Grace College’s Manahan Orthopaedic Center, Buckner had the attention of hundreds of young players, parents and baseball fans in general as he was the keynote speaker at the BPA World Series opening ceremony. The BPA World Series is being held at the City-County Athletic Complex in Warsaw, with games beginning this morning and concluding Monday. The tournament features 10U and 13U teams from the midwest, with the majority of them being from Indiana. A daily pass to the tournament can be purchased for $6 for fans 13 and older and for $3 for those 8-12. Children 7 and under will be admitted free. A weekly pass is available for $25 for those 13 and older and for $15 for fans ages 8-12. After meeting with members of the local media – covering topics such as Wrigley Field renovations, the steroid era and whether or not Pete Rose belongs in Cooperstown – Buckner spoke to the MOCC crowd for nearly 45 minutes. Buckner’s message to the young players was simple – “have fun.” Buckner, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers and also played for the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, California Angels and Kansas City Royals, also advised the players to work hard, be coachable and respect the game. Though he was the 1980 National League batting champion, a 1981 all-star selection, and finished his career with 2,715 hits, nearly 500 doubles, 174 home runs and a lifetime batting average of .289, Buckner is infamously remembered for missing a ground ball in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets. Buckner’s Red Sox had a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series and a 5-3 advantage in the game. The Mets were able to tie the game and went on to win 6-5 when Mookie Wilson’s grounder to first base went through Buckner’s legs, allowing Ray Knight to score from second base. The Mets followed up their rally in Game 6 by winning Game 7 and the World Series title. It’s no secret Buckner was blamed for the loss, though there were a number of other things that led to the loss. A beloved player and fan favorite prior to the World Series miscue, Buckner didn’t go back to Fenway Park until 2008. “It was emotional,” Buckner said of being invited to Fenway Park to throw out the first pitch. “There were tears in my eyes. There were people in the stands shedding tears. It was very special. I really appreciate the Red Sox organization and the fans for that special moment.” Buckner, who is active with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, told the crowd “it took a long time to get over that play, but I’m thankful for it and the life lessons I’ve learned.”
