Major League baseball player. In spite of being widely remembered for an error that cost the Boston Red Sox Game 6 of the 1986 World Series and the eventual loss of the title to the New York Mets, Buckner enjoyed a lengthy and productive career. In another twist of fate, Buckner was the outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers when Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run into the Braves' bullpen in Atlanta and broke Babe Ruth's 39-year-old record on April 8, 1974. For twenty-two seasons (1969 to 1990), he played at the first base, left field, and right field positions, in addition to designated hitter with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, California Angels, and Kansas City Royals. Born William Joseph Buckner, he played Little League Baseball prior to becoming a star player during his years at Napa Valley High School. Scouted and signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2nd round of the 1968 MLB June Amateur Draft, he made his Major League debut on September 21, 1969. During the offseason, he attended the University of Southern California where he roomed with future MLB player and manager Bobby Valentine. Buckner impressed manager Walter Alston and by the 1974 season, he earned the starting left field spot. He experienced a National League pennant that year and during the 1974 World Series, he recorded 5 hits, which included a home run against the Oakland Athletics. After he was acquired by the Chicago Cubs, he would go on to win a batting title in 1980 and achieved all-star status the following year. Buckner was dealt to the Boston Red Sox during the 1984 season in exchange for future Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley and in 1986, he was a key contributor to Boston's capturing the American League pennant, as he drove in 102 runs that year. In 2,517 career regular-season games, he compiled 2,715 hits and a lifetime .289 batting average. After retiring as a player, he briefly served as a hitting coach with the Chicago White Sox. He later served as manager of the Brockton Rox of the Independent Can-Am Association. He died of complications from Lewy Body Dementia at age 69 in 2019.
Major League baseball player. In spite of being widely remembered for an error that cost the Boston Red Sox Game 6 of the 1986 World Series and the eventual loss of the title to the New York Mets, Buckner enjoyed a lengthy and productive career. In another twist of fate, Buckner was the outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers when Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run into the Braves' bullpen in Atlanta and broke Babe Ruth's 39-year-old record on April 8, 1974. For twenty-two seasons (1969 to 1990), he played at the first base, left field, and right field positions, in addition to designated hitter with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, California Angels, and Kansas City Royals. Born William Joseph Buckner, he played Little League Baseball prior to becoming a star player during his years at Napa Valley High School. Scouted and signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2nd round of the 1968 MLB June Amateur Draft, he made his Major League debut on September 21, 1969. During the offseason, he attended the University of Southern California where he roomed with future MLB player and manager Bobby Valentine. Buckner impressed manager Walter Alston and by the 1974 season, he earned the starting left field spot. He experienced a National League pennant that year and during the 1974 World Series, he recorded 5 hits, which included a home run against the Oakland Athletics. After he was acquired by the Chicago Cubs, he would go on to win a batting title in 1980 and achieved all-star status the following year. Buckner was dealt to the Boston Red Sox during the 1984 season in exchange for future Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley and in 1986, he was a key contributor to Boston's capturing the American League pennant, as he drove in 102 runs that year. In 2,517 career regular-season games, he compiled 2,715 hits and a lifetime .289 batting average. After retiring as a player, he briefly served as a hitting coach with the Chicago White Sox. He later served as manager of the Brockton Rox of the Independent Can-Am Association. He died of complications from Lewy Body Dementia at age 69 in 2019.
Bio by: C.S.
Family Members
Parents
Advertisement
