1986 World Series Game 6: The Unbelievable 10th Inning

The 1986 World Series, especially Game 6, remains one of the most iconic and dramatic moments in baseball history. This game, played between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets, is particularly remembered for its unbelievable 10th inning. Let's dive deep into the details, the key players, and the series of events that made this inning a legendary part of baseball lore. Understanding the context and the stakes involved will help us appreciate just how extraordinary this inning was.

Background to the Series

Before we delve into the specifics of the 10th inning, it's important to set the stage. The Boston Red Sox, a team haunted by the "Curse of the Bambino" since selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1918, were on the verge of breaking their decades-long championship drought. They had taken a 3-2 lead in the series and were just one win away from clinching their first World Series title since 1918. The New York Mets, on the other hand, were a team on the rise, filled with young talent and brimming with confidence. They had already defied expectations by winning the National League pennant and were determined to keep their championship hopes alive. The atmosphere surrounding Game 6 at Shea Stadium was electric, with fans on both sides sensing the magnitude of the moment. The Red Sox were looking to exorcise their demons, while the Mets were fighting to extend the series and keep their dream season going. The pressure was immense, and the tension was palpable as the game unfolded.

The Fateful 10th Inning

The top of the 10th inning began with the score tied. Dave Henderson stepped up to the plate with two outs and a runner on first. What followed was a moment that Red Sox fans would remember—or try to forget—forever. Henderson launched a towering home run into the left-field stands, giving the Red Sox a 5-3 lead. The stadium erupted, and it seemed as though the Red Sox were finally going to break the curse. To add to the drama, after Henderson’s home run, an insurance run was tacked on, making it 6-3. The Red Sox were now three outs away from winning the World Series. As the Mets came to bat in the bottom of the 10th, the atmosphere in Shea Stadium was a mix of despair and defiance. The Mets needed a miracle, and what transpired next was nothing short of miraculous. The comeback began with a leadoff single by Gary Carter. Then, after a groundout, Kevin Mitchell singled, putting runners on first and second. With two outs, the Red Sox were still in a comfortable position to close out the game. However, what followed was a series of improbable events that would forever be etched in baseball history.

The Buckner Ball

With runners on first and second and two outs, Mookie Wilson stepped to the plate. The Red Sox were one out away from their first World Series title in 68 years. The count went to 2-2. Then, Wilson hit a slow roller towards first base. Bill Buckner, the Red Sox first baseman, had been struggling with his fielding throughout the season due to ankle injuries. As the ball approached, Buckner bent down to make the play, but the ball inexplicably rolled through his legs. The error allowed Ray Knight to score from second base, tying the game. The crowd erupted in pandemonium, and the momentum shifted entirely. Buckner's error is one of the most infamous plays in baseball history, and it became a symbol of the Red Sox's decades of heartbreak. The play is replayed countless times and remains a vivid reminder of the agony that Red Sox fans endured for so long.

Aftermath of the Error

Following Buckner's error, the game was tied, but the Mets weren't done yet. With runners on second and third, and still two outs, the winning run was still within reach. After intentionally walking Gary Carter to load the bases, the Red Sox manager, John McNamara, made a pitching change. Bob Stanley came in to pitch to Mookie Wilson. During the at-bat, a wild pitch allowed Kevin Mitchell to score the winning run. The Mets had completed their improbable comeback, winning the game 6-5. The stadium exploded in celebration as the Mets players mobbed each other on the field. The Red Sox, on the other hand, were left in stunned disbelief. They had been so close to victory, but a series of unfortunate events had snatched it away from them. The loss was a crushing blow, and it would take years for the Red Sox to recover.

The Impact and Legacy

The 1986 World Series Game 6 had a profound impact on both teams and their fans. For the Mets, it was a defining moment in their franchise history. It cemented their status as one of the most exciting and resilient teams in baseball. The victory propelled them to win Game 7 and capture the World Series title, completing their remarkable season. The Mets' victory was a testament to their never-say-die attitude and their ability to overcome adversity. They became a symbol of hope and inspiration for their fans, who had waited years for a championship.

Red Sox and the Curse

For the Red Sox, the loss was a devastating blow that only deepened the Curse of the Bambino. The image of Buckner's error became synonymous with the team's decades of heartbreak and near misses. The Red Sox and their fans had to endure another 18 years of frustration before they finally broke the curse in 2004. The 2004 World Series victory was a cathartic moment for Red Sox fans, as they finally exorcised the demons of the past. The victory was a testament to the team's resilience and their determination to overcome the obstacles that had haunted them for so long.

Key Players and Their Contributions

Several players played pivotal roles in the dramatic 10th inning of Game 6. Dave Henderson's home run gave the Red Sox a seemingly insurmountable lead. However, the Mets' comeback was fueled by clutch hits from Gary Carter and Kevin Mitchell. Mookie Wilson's slow roller and Bill Buckner's error will forever be remembered as the defining moments of the game. Each player, whether through heroic feats or unfortunate mistakes, contributed to the drama and excitement of the inning. Their performances will forever be etched in baseball history, and their names will be associated with one of the most memorable games ever played.

Lasting Memories

The 1986 World Series Game 6 remains a vivid memory for baseball fans of all ages. The game is often cited as one of the greatest games ever played, and the 10th inning is considered one of the most dramatic and unforgettable innings in baseball history. The game's twists and turns, the heroic performances, and the shocking errors all contributed to its enduring appeal. The game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball and the ability of teams to overcome adversity. It also highlights the importance of perseverance and never giving up, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The game's legacy continues to inspire and captivate baseball fans around the world.

Conclusion

The 1986 World Series Game 6, particularly the 10th inning, is a testament to the unpredictable and dramatic nature of baseball. The series of events that unfolded in that inning, from Henderson's home run to Buckner's error, created a moment that will forever be etched in baseball history. It encapsulates the highs and lows of the sport, the agony of defeat, and the thrill of victory. The game's impact extends far beyond the final score; it represents the hopes and dreams of fans, the weight of history, and the enduring power of the game. The 1986 World Series Game 6 remains a classic example of why baseball is often referred to as "America's Pastime."