1986 World Series Game 7 Winner: A Historic Comeback
The 1986 World Series is etched in baseball history, particularly Game 6 and Game 7. These games are not just remembered for who won, but for the sheer drama and unexpected twists that unfolded on the field. Let's dive into the details of Game 7 and relive the moment when the champion was crowned.
The Stage is Set: A Recap of the 1986 World Series
Before we zoom in on Game 7, let's set the scene. The 1986 World Series pitted the New York Mets against the Boston Red Sox. The Mets, representing the National League, had a roster filled with exciting young talent and veteran leadership. The Red Sox, from the American League, were looking to break their decades-long championship drought, often referred to as the "Curse of the Bambino." This curse stemmed from the Red Sox's sale of Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1919, after which they suffered an 86-year championship drought. The series was highly anticipated, with both teams having compelling narratives and strong performances throughout the regular season and playoffs.
The series started with the Red Sox taking an early lead, winning the first two games at Shea Stadium in New York. The Mets fought back, winning Game 3 at Fenway Park in Boston. However, the Red Sox continued to assert their dominance, winning Game 4 and taking a 3-1 lead in the series. Facing elimination, the Mets rallied to win Game 5, sending the series back to New York for the final two games. Game 6 was an unforgettable classic, with the Mets staging a dramatic comeback in the bottom of the tenth inning to win 6-5, thanks to a series of errors and clutch hits. This set the stage for a decisive Game 7, with everything on the line for both teams.
The atmosphere surrounding Game 7 was electric. Fans on both sides were on the edge of their seats, fully aware that this game would determine who would be crowned World Series champion. For the Red Sox, it was a chance to finally break the curse and bring a long-awaited title back to Boston. For the Mets, it was an opportunity to cap off an incredible season with a World Series victory and cement their place in baseball history. The stakes were high, and the pressure was immense, making Game 7 one of the most memorable and closely watched games in World Series history.
Game 7: A Detailed Look
Game 7 of the 1986 World Series was played on October 27, 1986, at Shea Stadium in New York. The starting pitchers were Bruce Hurst for the Boston Red Sox and Ron Darling for the New York Mets. Hurst had been outstanding throughout the series, while Darling was looking to bounce back after a shaky performance in Game 4. The game began with both pitchers holding their opponents scoreless through the first few innings. The tension in the stadium was palpable as each team battled to gain an advantage.
The Red Sox broke the deadlock in the second inning when Dwight Evans hit a solo home run, giving Boston a 1-0 lead. They extended their lead in the third inning with an RBI single by Marty Barrett, making it 2-0. The Mets struggled to generate offense against Hurst, who was pitching brilliantly. The Red Sox added another run in the sixth inning when Bill Buckner drove in Wade Boggs with a single, increasing their lead to 3-0. The Mets finally got on the board in the bottom of the sixth inning when Keith Hernandez hit an RBI single, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
As the game progressed, the tension continued to build. The Red Sox added to their lead in the seventh inning when Jim Rice hit an RBI single, making it 3-2. The Mets, however, showed resilience and determination. In the bottom of the eighth inning, they began to chip away at the lead. Gary Carter led off with a single, followed by a single from Kevin Mitchell. After a sacrifice bunt by Ray Knight, Keith Hernandez was intentionally walked to load the bases. Darryl Strawberry then hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Carter and reducing the Red Sox's lead to 3-2. With two outs, Mookie Wilson came to the plate and delivered a crucial RBI single, tying the game at 3-3. The Shea Stadium crowd erupted as the Mets completed their comeback.
The game went into extra innings, and both teams had opportunities to score but failed to capitalize. In the top of the tenth inning, the Red Sox regained the lead when Dave Henderson hit a solo home run off Mets reliever Rick Aguilera, making it 5-3. They added another run when Evans doubled and scored on a single by Barrett, extending their lead to 6-3. The Red Sox were now just three outs away from winning the World Series. However, the Mets had other plans.
The Unforgettable Tenth Inning
The bottom of the tenth inning in Game 7 of the 1986 World Series is one of the most memorable and improbable comebacks in baseball history. With the Red Sox leading 5-3, Mets' outfielder Wally Backman and Keith Hernandez made outs. The Red Sox were now one out away from claiming their first World Series title since 1918.
What followed was a series of improbable events. Gary Carter singled, bringing Kevin Mitchell to the plate. Mitchell also singled, putting runners on first and second. Ray Knight then stepped up to the plate and delivered an RBI single, scoring Carter and cutting the Red Sox lead to 5-4. With runners on first and second and one out, Red Sox manager John McNamara made a pitching change, bringing in Bob Stanley to replace reliever Calvin Schiraldi. Mookie Wilson was the next batter, and after a long at-bat, he hit a slow ground ball to first base. Bill Buckner, the Red Sox's first baseman, attempted to field the ball, but it went through his legs, allowing Mitchell to score the tying run and Knight to advance to second. As the ball trickled into right field, Knight rounded third and headed for home, scoring the winning run. The Mets had completed an improbable comeback to win Game 7 and the World Series.
The scene at Shea Stadium was one of wild jubilation. Mets fans erupted in cheers, celebrating their team's incredible victory. The players mobbed Mookie Wilson on the field, and the celebrations continued long into the night. For the Red Sox, it was a devastating defeat. Buckner's error became an iconic image of their World Series loss, and the "Curse of the Bambino" continued to haunt the franchise.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The New York Mets' victory in the 1986 World Series cemented their place in baseball history. The team, led by stars like Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, and Dwight Gooden, became one of the most popular and memorable teams in Mets franchise history. The win brought joy to Mets fans and solidified the team's legacy in New York City. For the Red Sox, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Buckner's error became a symbol of the team's decades-long struggles and the "Curse of the Bambino." It would take another 18 years before the Red Sox finally broke the curse and won the World Series in 2004.
The 1986 World Series is remembered as one of the most exciting and dramatic series in baseball history. Game 6 and Game 7 were filled with unexpected twists, improbable comebacks, and unforgettable moments. The series showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, and it left a lasting impact on the sport. The Mets' victory in Game 7 is still celebrated by their fans, and the Red Sox's loss remains a painful memory for their supporters. The 1986 World Series will always be remembered as a classic, with its iconic moments and dramatic conclusion.
The series also had a significant cultural impact, extending beyond the realm of sports. The dramatic comeback in Game 6 and the improbable ending of Game 7 captured the imagination of fans and non-fans alike. The image of Buckner's error became a cultural touchstone, symbolizing both the agony of defeat and the unpredictability of life. The series was widely discussed and debated, and it remains a popular topic of conversation among baseball fans.
In conclusion, Game 7 of the 1986 World Series was a defining moment in baseball history, marked by the New York Mets' dramatic victory over the Boston Red Sox. The game, filled with twists and turns, showcased the Mets' resilience and the Red Sox's misfortune, creating an unforgettable chapter in the annals of the sport. The legacy of the 1986 World Series continues to resonate with fans, serving as a reminder of the excitement and drama that make baseball America's pastime.
