1986 World Series: Game 6, The Unbelievable 9th Inning

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into one of the most iconic moments in baseball history: the 1986 World Series, Game 6, and that absolutely insane 9th inning. Buckle up, because this is a wild ride filled with drama, tension, and a comeback that no one saw coming.

The Setup: A Championship on the Line

So, picture this: It's October 25, 1986. The Boston Red Sox are facing the New York Mets at Shea Stadium. The Red Sox, haunted by the curse of the Bambino, are just one win away from their first World Series title since 1918. Yeah, you heard that right – 1918! That’s a long drought. On the other side, the Mets, a team full of young, hungry players, are fighting to stay alive and force a Game 7. The atmosphere is electric, the tension is palpable, and everyone knows this is a do-or-die situation.

The Red Sox had taken a 3-2 lead in the series, putting them in prime position to clinch the championship. Roger Clemens, who had been a dominant force all season, had pitched brilliantly in Game 5, giving the Red Sox a crucial win. But now, with the series shifting back to New York, the Mets were hoping to turn the tide. Game 6 was a must-win for them, and they were determined to give it everything they had.

The starting pitchers for Game 6 were Bob Ojeda for the Mets and Roger Clemens for the Red Sox. Ojeda, a crafty left-hander, had been a reliable starter for the Mets all season. Clemens, on the other hand, was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, known for his blazing fastball and intimidating presence on the mound. The pitching matchup was set, and the stage was ready for an epic battle.

Throughout the game, both teams battled fiercely, with momentum swinging back and forth. The Red Sox took an early lead, but the Mets responded with timely hits and solid defense. As the game progressed, the tension in the stadium grew thicker, and every pitch seemed to carry enormous weight. The fans were on the edge of their seats, knowing that one swing of the bat could change everything. By the later innings, it was clear that this game was going down to the wire.

The Dismal State of Boston Red Sox

Before we get to the craziness of the 9th, let’s set the scene. The Red Sox hadn't won a World Series in 68 years. Sixty-eight! That’s a lot of heartbreak, a lot of near misses, and a whole lot of disappointment. Every Red Sox fan carried the weight of history on their shoulders, desperately hoping that this would finally be their year. This context is crucial because it amplifies the agony and ecstasy of what was about to happen.

The 9th Inning: A Collapse for the Ages

Alright, here we go. The Red Sox are leading 5-3. Just three outs away from breaking the curse and finally bringing a World Series title back to Boston. Manager John McNamara decides to bring in closer Calvin Schiraldi to shut the door. Schiraldi had been solid throughout the postseason, and the Red Sox felt confident with him on the mound. But as we all know, things don't always go as planned.

Schiraldi gets the first two outs relatively easily. Two outs, nobody on. The champagne is on ice in the Red Sox clubhouse. Fans are starting to celebrate. Then, disaster strikes. Gary Carter singles. Kevin Mitchell, pinch-hitting, singles. Suddenly, there are runners on first and second with two outs. Ray Knight comes up to bat. Knight, a veteran infielder, had been a key contributor for the Mets throughout the season. Schiraldi falls behind in the count, and Knight hits a single to center field, scoring Carter. It’s now 5-4, and the tying run is on third.

With the tying run just 90 feet away, McNamara makes a controversial decision. He replaces Schiraldi with Bob Stanley. Stanley, a sinkerball specialist, was known for his ability to induce ground balls. However, he had struggled with his control at times, and the move was met with skepticism by some observers. Mookie Wilson steps to the plate. Wilson, a speedy outfielder with a knack for getting on base, was a dangerous hitter. The count goes to 2-2. Then, Stanley throws a wild pitch! Mitchell scores, and the game is tied 5-5. The crowd goes absolutely wild. Shea Stadium is shaking.

The Infamous Buckner Play

Okay, deep breaths, everyone. The game is tied, but the inning isn't over. Wilson is still at the plate. The count is full. Stanley throws another pitch, and Wilson hits a slow roller towards first base. Bill Buckner, the Red Sox’s veteran first baseman, is playing with a bad ankle. The ball trickles… through his legs! Knight scores from second, and the Mets win the game 6-5. The stadium erupts in pandemonium. Confetti is flying everywhere. The Mets players mob each other on the field. It’s absolute chaos.

Bill Buckner's error has become one of the most infamous plays in baseball history. The image of the ball rolling through his legs is seared into the memories of Red Sox fans forever. While it's easy to blame Buckner, it's important to remember that baseball is a team game, and many factors contributed to the Red Sox's collapse in the 9th inning. But fair or not, Buckner became the scapegoat for the Red Sox's World Series loss.

The Aftermath: Heartbreak and Redemption

The Red Sox went on to lose Game 7, completing the Mets' incredible comeback. The curse of the Bambino lived on, haunting Red Sox fans for another 18 years. The 1986 World Series was a devastating blow to the Red Sox and their fans, who had come so close to finally breaking the curse. The pain of that loss lingered for years, and it became a symbol of the Red Sox's long history of heartbreak.

For the Mets, the 1986 World Series victory was a defining moment in franchise history. It was their second World Series title and cemented their place as one of the most exciting and memorable teams of the 1980s. The Mets' victory was a testament to their resilience, their never-say-die attitude, and their ability to come through in the clutch.

The Legacy

The 1986 World Series, and especially that 9th inning of Game 6, is a perfect example of why we love baseball. It's unpredictable, it's dramatic, and it can break your heart in an instant. It taught us that anything can happen, and that no lead is ever safe until the final out is recorded. It also showed us the resilience of the human spirit, as both teams battled fiercely until the very end.

Years later, the Red Sox finally broke the curse in 2004, winning their first World Series title in 86 years. While the pain of 1986 will never be forgotten, the 2004 victory provided some closure for Red Sox fans. It was a moment of redemption, a culmination of years of suffering and disappointment. The 2004 World Series victory was a testament to the Red Sox's perseverance, their dedication, and their unwavering belief in themselves.

The 1986 World Series remains one of the most talked-about events in baseball history. It's a story of triumph and tragedy, of heroes and goats, and of the unpredictable nature of the game. It's a reminder that anything is possible in baseball, and that even the most improbable comebacks can happen. So, next time you're watching a baseball game, remember the 1986 World Series and the unbelievable 9th inning of Game 6. You never know what might happen.

What a game, right? The highs, the lows, the sheer unpredictability – it's what makes baseball so captivating. The 1986 World Series, Game 6, 9th inning will forever be etched in baseball lore. Whether you're a Red Sox fan or a Mets fan, you can't deny the sheer drama of that moment. And that, my friends, is why we love this game.