1986 World Series Game 6: The Unbelievable 9th Inning

The 1986 World Series is etched in baseball history, and for many, Game 6 is the defining moment. Guys, let's dive deep into that unforgettable ninth inning, breaking down every play and emotional twist that made it so legendary. We'll explore the context leading up to the inning, the key players involved, and the aftermath that cemented its place in baseball lore.

The Setup: Red Sox on the Brink

To truly appreciate the drama of the ninth, we need to set the stage. The Boston Red Sox, haunted by decades of near misses and the infamous "Curse of the Bambino," were leading the series 3-2 against the New York Mets. A win in Game 6 at Shea Stadium would finally break the curse and deliver a World Series title to Boston for the first time since 1918. The weight of history was palpable, hanging heavy in the New York air.

The Red Sox had jumped out to an early lead in Game 6, thanks to timely hitting and solid pitching. As the game progressed, the Mets chipped away, but Boston always seemed to have an answer. By the eighth inning, the Red Sox held a comfortable lead, and the champagne was on ice in the Boston clubhouse. Red Sox closer, the legendary Dennis Eckersley, was called upon to shut the door and secure the championship. Eckersley, known for his intimidating fastball and unwavering confidence, was considered one of the best closers in the game. He had been virtually unhittable during the regular season, and Red Sox fans felt a sense of security knowing he was on the mound. The energy in Shea Stadium was tense, a mix of nervous anticipation from Mets fans and growing excitement from the Red Sox faithful who had traveled to witness history.

Little did anyone know, the ninth inning was about to unfold in a way that would defy all expectations and forever alter the course of baseball history. The Red Sox were just three outs away from glory, but those three outs would prove to be the most elusive and agonizing in the franchise's long and often heartbreaking history. The stage was set for a dramatic collision between destiny and despair, a moment that would be replayed and debated for generations to come. The atmosphere was electric, a charged environment that amplified every pitch, every swing, and every emotion.

The Ninth Inning Nightmare Unfolds

Eckersley took the mound with a steely gaze, seemingly unfazed by the pressure. The first batter, Wally Backman, grounded out, bringing the Red Sox two outs closer to their long-awaited triumph. The crowd at Shea Stadium, sensing the impending doom, grew quieter. But then, Keith Hernandez, a veteran leader for the Mets, kept their hopes alive with a single. It wasn't a dramatic hit, but it was enough to prevent the Red Sox from celebrating just yet. Gary Carter followed with another single, putting runners on first and second. Suddenly, the tension in the stadium ratcheted up a notch. The tying run was now on base, and the Red Sox lead was in jeopardy. Kevin Mitchell came in to pinch run for Carter.

With two runners on, manager Davey Johnson sent Mookie Wilson to the plate. Wilson was known for his speed and ability to put the ball in play, but he wasn't considered a power hitter. The count went to 2-2. Then came a wild pitch by Eckersley, allowing Hernandez and Mitchell to advance to second and third. The tying run was now just 90 feet away. The crowd roared, sensing a shift in momentum. Eckersley, usually unflappable, began to show signs of nervousness. He battled back to strike out Ray Knight, bringing the Red Sox to within one out of victory. The stadium was deafening, a cacophony of cheers and jeers. But with two outs and runners on second and third, the pressure was immense.

The next batter was the light-hitting utility player Dave Magadan. With first base open, the Red Sox made the strategic decision to walk Magadan intentionally, loading the bases. This brought up another utility player, a weak hitter named Marty Barrett. Barrett battled Eckersley, and worked the count full, and then singled to center field, scoring Mitchell and Hernandez, tying the game. The stadium erupted. Just like that, the Red Sox lead had vanished.

But the inning was far from over. With the game now tied, Mookie Wilson stepped back up to the plate, with runners on first and second. The Red Sox were still one out away from sending the game to extra innings, but the momentum had completely shifted.

The Buckner Ball

The moment that defined the entire series, and arguably an era of baseball, arrived with Mookie Wilson at the plate. The count went to 2-2. Eckersley threw a sinker, and Wilson swung, hitting a slow roller towards first base. Bill Buckner, the Red Sox's veteran first baseman, was known for his hitting, not his fielding. As the ball trickled towards him, Buckner bent down to make the play, but the ball went under his glove and rolled into right field. Magadan scored the winning run.

The Mets had won! The stadium exploded in pandemonium as Mets players and fans rushed onto the field to celebrate. Buckner stood there in disbelief, the image of the ball rolling through his legs forever seared into baseball history. The Red Sox, just one out away from victory, had snatched defeat from the jaws of triumph.

The play itself wasn't particularly remarkable; it was a routine ground ball that should have been an easy out. But the circumstances surrounding it, the weight of history, the pressure of the moment, and the sheer improbability of it all, transformed it into one of the most iconic and infamous plays in baseball history. Buckner instantly became a scapegoat, unfairly blamed for the Red Sox's loss.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The Mets went on to win Game 7, completing their improbable comeback and winning the World Series. For the Red Sox, the loss was devastating. The "Curse of the Bambino" seemed more potent than ever, and the image of Buckner's error haunted the team and its fans for years to come.

The 1986 World Series Game 6 is more than just a baseball game; it's a story of hope, heartbreak, and the unpredictable nature of sports. It's a reminder that anything can happen in baseball, and that even the most seemingly insurmountable leads can vanish in an instant. The game cemented its place in baseball lore, and the names Eckersley, Wilson, and Buckner became forever linked to one of the most dramatic and unforgettable moments in World Series history.

In 2004, the Red Sox finally broke the curse and won the World Series, ending their 86-year drought. While that victory brought closure to many Red Sox fans, the memory of the 1986 Game 6 ninth inning still lingers, a testament to the enduring power of a single play to define a team, a series, and an era. The game continues to be replayed and analyzed, its lessons and implications debated by fans and experts alike. It stands as a timeless example of the highs and lows of baseball, the drama and excitement that make it America's pastime. The legacy of that ninth inning lives on, reminding us that in baseball, as in life, anything is possible, and the game is never truly over until the final out is recorded.