SportsLocal Sports

Actions

Bill Buckner, former Red Sox first baseman, dies at 69 after battling dementia

Posted
and last updated

Bill Buckner, the former Red Sox first baseman who gained notoriety for a fielding error during the 1986 World Series, died Monday morning, his wife told ESPN. He was 69.

Buckner, who had battled Lewy body dementia, passed away surrounded by his family, Jody Buckner said in a statement.

"Bill fought with courage and grit as he did all things in life," the statement said. "Our hearts are broken but we are at peace knowing he is in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Buckner was playing first base for the Red Sox during Game 6 of the 1986 World Series when a Mookie Wilson ground ball rolled through his legs. The New York Mets eventually went on to win the game and the series.

DEVELOPING: More details will be added to this report as they become available.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Friday

05/09/2025

Sunny

98° / 67°

0%

Saturday

05/10/2025

Mostly Sunny

102° / 66°

0%

Sunday

05/11/2025

Sunny

92° / 56°

0%

Monday

05/12/2025

Mostly Sunny

78° / 54°

0%

Tuesday

05/13/2025

Partly Cloudy

72° / 54°

6%

Wednesday

05/14/2025

Sunny

80° / 57°

0%

Thursday

05/15/2025

Mostly Sunny

86° / 61°

0%

Friday

05/16/2025

Mostly Sunny

89° / 62°

0%