1986 World Series: The Unbelievable Game 6, 10th Inning

The 1986 World Series is etched in baseball history, primarily due to the unbelievable drama of Game 6, specifically the 10th inning. This inning is not just a collection of plays; it's a microcosm of hope, despair, and ultimately, improbable victory. For fans of the Boston Red Sox, it represents a heart-wrenching collapse, a moment where a championship seemingly in their grasp slipped away. Conversely, for New York Mets supporters, it's a symbol of resilience, a testament to never giving up, and a reminder that in baseball, anything is possible until the final out. Let's dive deep into this legendary inning, exploring the key moments, the players involved, and the lasting impact it had on both teams and the sport itself.

The narrative leading up to the 10th inning was already compelling. The Red Sox, after a long championship drought, were on the verge of breaking the curse. They held a 3-2 series lead and were just three outs away from clinching the title. The atmosphere at Shea Stadium was electric, a mix of nervous anticipation from Mets fans and hopeful expectation from the traveling Red Sox faithful. The tension was palpable, each pitch carrying the weight of history. As the game entered extra innings, the stakes were higher than ever, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic frames in World Series history. Every play, every decision, would be magnified, analyzed, and replayed for years to come. The 10th inning, therefore, wasn't just another inning; it was a crucible where legends were made and hearts were broken.

The Setup: Red Sox on the Brink

Before we dissect the chaos of the bottom of the 10th, let's appreciate the Red Sox's position. They weren't just leading; they were close enough to taste victory. Dave Stapleton led off the top of the 10th with a single against Mets reliever Rick Aguilera. After a Marty Barrett sacrifice bunt, it put a runner in scoring position, which was followed by a crucial error by Mets' third baseman, Howard Johnson, allowed Wade Boggs to reach first and Stapleton to advance to third. This was a golden opportunity for the Red Sox to extend their lead, and they capitalized. Bill Buckner, who would later become infamous for his role in the inning, hit a sacrifice fly to score Stapleton, giving the Red Sox a 3-2 lead. Then, Jim Rice singled, moving Boggs to second. However, Dwight Evans grounded out to end the inning, leaving two runners stranded. Still, the Red Sox were three outs away from winning the World Series. The pressure was squarely on the Mets to mount a comeback against one of the game's premier closers. The atmosphere in Shea Stadium was thick with tension, a blend of hope and desperation hanging in the balance.

Bottom of the 10th: A Mets Miracle

The bottom of the 10th began with the Red Sox bringing in their star closer, Calvin Schiraldi, who had already pitched well in the series. However, what followed was a sequence of events that defied logic and broke the hearts of Red Sox fans everywhere.

The Rally Begins:

The leadoff hitter, Wally Backman, grounded out to second, providing a seemingly routine start to the inning. But then, Keith Hernandez singled, breathing a bit of life back into the Mets' dugout. After that, Gary Carter singled as well, putting runners on first and second with one out. The tying run was on second base and the winning run was at first. The tying run being in scoring position changed everything.

The Near Miss:

Up next was Kevin Mitchell, who swung and missed for strike one. Then, he hit a slow roller to first. First baseman Bill Buckner bobbled the ball, but recovered to force out Mitchell at second. Hernandez advanced to third, Carter advanced to second, and there were now two outs. The Red Sox were one out away from winning the World Series.

The Wild Pitch:

With two outs, the Red Sox were on the cusp of victory. Manager John McNamara decided to replace the tiring Schiraldi with Bob Stanley. On the very first pitch to Mookie Wilson, Stanley threw a wild pitch. Hernandez scored, tying the game 5-5, and Carter advanced to third. The crowd erupted, sensing a shift in momentum. The Red Sox's lead had vanished, and the game was now tied. The pressure mounted further. Although it was not the fault of Schiraldi, McNamara removed him from the game due to fatigue.

The Infamous Ground Ball:

With the game tied and a runner on third, Mookie Wilson stepped up to the plate. The count went to 2-2. Stanley threw a fastball. Wilson swung and hit a slow ground ball to first base. Bill Buckner, the veteran first baseman, moved to his left to field the ball. In what has become one of the most iconic and agonizing plays in baseball history, the ball rolled between Buckner's legs. Carter scored from third, and the Mets won the game 6-5.

The Aftermath: Curse or Coincidence?

The immediate aftermath was pandemonium at Shea Stadium. Mets fans erupted in celebration, while the Red Sox players stood in stunned silence. The image of Buckner with the ball rolling through his legs became an instant symbol of the Red Sox's decades of frustration and the infamous "Curse of the Bambino." The play was replayed countless times, forever etching itself into baseball lore. It wasn't just a loss; it was a moment that seemed to encapsulate years of heartbreak for Red Sox fans.

For Bill Buckner, the error became a burden he carried for years. He faced criticism and blame, unfairly becoming the scapegoat for the Red Sox's World Series loss. It took many years for him to be fully embraced by the Red Sox Nation again, a testament to the forgiving nature of baseball fans and the recognition that one play doesn't define a career.

The Mets, on the other hand, rode the momentum of their improbable victory to win Game 7 and the World Series. The 1986 Mets team became legends in New York, remembered for their resilience, their never-say-die attitude, and their ability to pull off the unexpected. The 10th inning of Game 6 was the defining moment of their championship run, a symbol of their unwavering belief in themselves.

Lasting Impact and Legacy

The 1986 World Series Game 6, 10th inning, transcends baseball. It's a story of human drama, of hope and despair, of triumph and tragedy. It reminds us that sports can be unpredictable and that anything is possible until the very last out. The inning has been analyzed, dissected, and debated for decades, but its impact remains undiminished.

For the Red Sox: The loss fueled their determination to break the curse. While it took many years, the Red Sox finally won the World Series in 2004, exorcising the demons of the past and forever changing the narrative of their franchise. The 1986 loss served as a painful reminder of what could go wrong, but also as a motivation to strive for ultimate victory.

For the Mets: The victory solidified their place in baseball history. The 1986 Mets team is still celebrated in New York, and the 10th inning of Game 6 remains a cherished memory for their fans. It represents a time when the Mets were on top of the baseball world, a symbol of their resilience and their ability to overcome adversity.

In conclusion, the 1986 World Series Game 6, 10th inning, is more than just a baseball game. It's a story of human emotion, of improbable events, and of the enduring power of hope. It's a reminder that in sports, as in life, anything is possible until the final moment. Whether you're a Red Sox fan or a Mets fan, or simply a lover of the game, the 10th inning of Game 6 will forever be etched in your memory as one of the most dramatic and unforgettable moments in baseball history.