Former Red Sox 1B Bill Buckner dies at 69

Former Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner died on Monday, his family said in a statement. He was 69.

"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, first reported by ESPN. "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."

Bucker played [...]

Former Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner died on Monday, his family said in a statement. He was 69.

"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, first reported by ESPN. "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."

Bucker played 22 seasons in the majors, but his error at first base in the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets is one of the moments Red Sox fans will forever remember.

At the time, the Red Sox had not won a World Series since 1918, and were leading in Game 6 heading into the 10th inning, until New York tied the game, and then the misplayed ground ball allowed the winning run. The Mets then won Game 7, and the Series.

Buckner had since returned to Fenway Park in his retirement, and was greeted warmly by the fans. 

He had a .289 career batting average, including winning the NL batting title in 1980 (.324 with the Cubs). He drove in 1,208 runs and hit 174 home runs.