Former Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner dies at 69

BOSTON — Bill Buckner, a star hitter who became known for making one of the most infamous plays in major league history, died Monday. He was 69.

He died after a long battle with Lewy body dementia, Buckner's family said in a statement. The disease causes Alzheimer's-like symptoms along with movement and other problems.

"Bill fought with courage and grit as he did all things in life," his family said.

Buckner played parts of five seasons with the Red Sox. He drove in more than 100 runs in both 1985 and 1986, but was also the face of the 1986 Word Series collapse against the New York Mets.

His error in the 10th inning of Game 6 allowed the Mets to come back and win the series, prolonging the franchise's long World Series drought.

And while it's been more than 30 years since that infamous error, Red Sox fans overall say they look back at Buckner's life and career with admiration.

"One bad play – he shouldn’t been in there he should have been substituted – it was the manager’s fault, he struggled on two knees that whole season," said Sox fan Michael Ahlijanian.

Red Sox owner John Henry issued a statement that said in part: "His life was defined by perseverance, resilience and an insatiable will to win."

Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner also issued a statement, saying: "Bill Buckner personified toughness and grit, and his determination to play through pain defines him far more than any single play ever could."

Buckner started his professional career in Los Angeles, came to the Red Sox from Chicago in 1984 and played in Boston until 1987, then returned in 1990 and retired as a Red Sox.

Buckner was able to feel some redemption during his life.

In 2008, Buckner accepted an invitation to throw out the first ball for the home opener at Fenway Park as the Red Sox celebrated winning another title.

Buckner drew loud cheers as he walked from the Green Monster in left field to the mound, and made his ceremonial toss to former teammate Dwight Evans.

Buckner said the moment was "probably about as emotional as it could get."

"I really had to forgive," he said later that day, "not the fans of Boston per se, but I would have to say, in my heart, I had to forgive the media for what they put me and my family through. So I've done that. I'm over that. And I'm just happy that I just try to think of the positive. The happy things."

"You can look at that Series and point fingers in a whole bunch of different directions," Buckner said. "We did the best we could to win there and it just didn't happen and I didn't feel like I deserved" so much blame.

"Hopefully people will just remember the positive," one fan said. "He was a good player, a good hitter just put in a bad circumstance. He was a good guy."

He is survived by his wife, Jody, two daughters and one son.

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With Associated Press reporting

Cox Media Group