1986 World Series Game 7: Miracle Mets Win!

Hey baseball fans! Let's dive deep into one of the most iconic games in baseball history: the 1986 World Series Game 7. This game wasn't just a nail-biter; it was a rollercoaster of emotions, unexpected twists, and ultimately, a moment that etched itself into the memories of millions. So grab your peanuts and cracker jacks, and let's relive this epic clash between the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox.

The Stage is Set

Before we jump into the specifics of Game 7, let’s set the stage. The 1986 World Series pitted the young, scrappy New York Mets against the experienced and, many believed, cursed Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox, having not won a World Series since 1918, were on the brink of breaking the infamous “Curse of the Bambino.” After six games, the Red Sox held a 3-2 series lead and were heading back to Shea Stadium, home of the Mets, with two chances to clinch the title. Game 6 was already an instant classic, with the Mets pulling off a miraculous comeback in the bottom of the tenth inning to keep their hopes alive. This set the stage for a Game 7 that would be nothing short of legendary.

Game 7: A Blow-by-Blow Account

Game 7 began on October 27, 1986, and the atmosphere at Shea Stadium was electric. The starting pitchers were Bruce Hurst for the Red Sox, who had already won Game 5, and Ron Darling for the Mets. The Red Sox jumped out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the first three innings. Dwight Evans drove in a run in the first inning, and Marty Barrett added a two-run single in the third, putting the Mets in a precarious position early on. Ron Darling struggled, failing to find his rhythm, and the Mets' faithful fans started to feel a sense of unease. Could their dream of a World Series title be slipping away so quickly?

The Mets, however, showed resilience. They chipped away at the lead, scoring a run in the sixth inning when Keith Hernandez doubled, and Gary Carter followed with an RBI single. But the Red Sox responded immediately in the top of the seventh. Bill Buckner, who would soon become a central figure in the game's narrative, drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, extending the Red Sox lead to 3-1. Then, in the top of the eighth, the Red Sox added two more runs, courtesy of an RBI double by Dwight Evans and a single by Rich Gedman. Suddenly, the Red Sox were up 5-3, and the Mets were down to their final outs.

As the game moved into the later innings, the tension was palpable. Every pitch, every swing, every play was magnified. The Red Sox were just six outs away from ending their 68-year championship drought. The Mets, on the other hand, were fighting for their lives, trying to claw their way back into the game. The weight of history, the hopes of the fans, and the sheer drama of the moment combined to create an unforgettable spectacle.

The Bottom of the Tenth: A Moment of Chaos and Glory

The bottom of the tenth inning is where this game transcended from merely a baseball game into a legendary event. With the Red Sox leading 5-3, closer Calvin Schiraldi, who had been dominant throughout the series, came in to shut the door. But what followed was a sequence of events that Red Sox fans would prefer to forget, and Mets fans would cherish forever.

After Wally Backman and Keith Hernandez were retired, the Mets were down to their last out. Gary Carter, with two outs and nobody on, managed to single, keeping the faintest glimmer of hope alive. Then, the always-dangerous Darryl Strawberry doubled, putting runners on second and third. The Red Sox then made a pitching change, bringing in Bob Stanley to face Mookie Wilson.

With the count at 2-2, Stanley threw a wild pitch, allowing Carter to score and Strawberry to advance to third. The score was now 5-4, and the tying run was just 90 feet away. The stage was set for one of the most famous plays in baseball history. Wilson, known for his speed and ability to put the ball in play, fouled off several pitches before finally hitting a slow roller towards first base. Bill Buckner, the Red Sox first baseman, attempted to field the ball, but it inexplicably went through his legs. Strawberry crossed home plate, tying the game, and Hernandez rounded third, ultimately scoring the winning run. Shea Stadium erupted in pandemonium. The Mets had completed an improbable comeback, winning Game 7 and the World Series in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The immediate aftermath of Game 7 was a scene of wild celebration in New York and utter devastation in Boston. Mets fans poured onto the field, celebrating their first World Series title since 1969. The image of Mookie Wilson's ground ball going through Bill Buckner's legs became an instant symbol of the Red Sox's continued misfortune and the Mets' never-say-die attitude. For the Red Sox, the loss was a crushing blow. The “Curse of the Bambino” seemed more real than ever, and Buckner became an unfortunate scapegoat, unfairly burdened with the weight of the loss.

However, as the years passed, perspectives began to shift. Buckner, once vilified, eventually received a measure of redemption. Red Sox fans, after finally breaking the curse in 2004, came to appreciate Buckner's contributions to the team and recognized that one play did not define his career. The 1986 World Series, and Game 7 in particular, remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball and the enduring power of hope and resilience. It’s a reminder that in baseball, as in life, anything can happen, and sometimes, the most improbable dreams can come true.

Key Players and Moments

Several players played pivotal roles in Game 7, and their contributions deserve recognition:

• Mookie Wilson: His ground ball, though famously misplayed, was the hit that ultimately won the game for the Mets. Wilson's speed and ability to put the ball in play made him a dangerous hitter, and his place in baseball lore is forever secured.
• Bill Buckner: While he is remembered for the error, Buckner was a solid player throughout his career. The play at first base was an unfortunate moment that unfairly overshadowed his contributions to the game.
• Gary Carter: His two-out single in the bottom of the tenth ignited the Mets' rally. Carter's leadership and clutch hitting were instrumental in the Mets' success.
• Darryl Strawberry: His double in the tenth inning kept the rally going and put the tying run in scoring position. Strawberry's power and presence in the lineup made him a key offensive threat for the Mets.

Beyond the players, several key moments defined the game:

• Red Sox's Early Lead: The Red Sox jumped out to an early lead, putting the Mets in a difficult position and raising doubts about their ability to come back.
• Mets' Chipping Away: The Mets gradually chipped away at the lead, showing their resilience and determination to stay in the game.
• Wild Pitch: Bob Stanley's wild pitch allowed Gary Carter to score and Strawberry to advance, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.
• Buckner's Error: The play at first base, where the ball went through Buckner's legs, will forever be etched in baseball history as one of the most iconic and improbable moments.

Conclusion

The 1986 World Series Game 7 is more than just a baseball game; it's a story of perseverance, hope, and the unpredictable nature of sports. It's a game that will continue to be replayed and retold for generations, reminding us that even when the odds seem insurmountable, anything is possible. The New York Mets' victory in that game cemented their place in baseball history and provided their fans with a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. So, the next time you're feeling down or facing a challenge, remember the 1986 World Series Game 7, and remember that even in the face of adversity, miracles can happen. And that’s the story, guys! An epic game indeed!