Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

He famously let “a little roller up the first base line” scoot between his legs in the 1986 World Series, helping the New York Mets win a world championship.

On March 11, he will be the guest speaker at the Wilkes-Barre Friendly Sons of St. Patrick’s 71st annual banquet.

The organization announced Saturday that former Major League Baseball player Bill Buckner will deliver the keynote address at the annual event.

Buckner enjoyed a 22-year career in the big leagues, posting near Hall-of-Fame numbers. He recorded 2,715 hits, 174 home runs, 498 doubles and 1,208 RBIs. He was also know as a fine defensive player.

However, Buckner will best be remembered for an error he committed while playing for the Boston Red Sox.

In Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, it was Buckner’s error that allowed the Mets to complete an improbable two-out rally to force a Game 7. The Mets would go on to win Game 7 and the series.

Vin Scully’s call of the “little roller” has become one of the iconic baseball calls of all-time.

In addition to the Red Sox, Buckner played for the Dodgers, Cubs, Angels and Royals. He later went on to become a coach.

He retired from baseball in 2014 and currently resides in Idaho.

The banquet will be held at the Best Western Genetti Hotel and Conference Center in Wilkes-Barre, with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. and a dinner at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $60.00. Tickets can be purchased from any member of the society or by contacting ticket chairman Mike Bradshaw at (570) 954-9094.

Buckner
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/web1_9590765-large-1.jpg.optimal.jpgBuckner

Times Leader staff

Reach the Times Leader newsroom at 570-829-7242 or on Twitter @TLnews.