Why do Red Sox fans hate on Bill Buckner so much? It was John McNamara's fault for playing him?

Answer 1

Yah, I from around Boston and I don't think he's particularly hated anymore. That was a little more of an 80's and 90's thing. I mean, even before the 2004 title- people would groan about it, but knew deep down there were a lot of other reasons why things didn't pan out. So he missed a ball, tough, it happens. It's not like he was out getting drunk and bashed his hand into a broken glass at a bar, as seems to be popular among pitchers in recent years. He just had an awful play.

I don't think us Sox fans have as much to hate anymore, unfortunately. Oh, wait, well there's still A-Rod. That's something. Him and his bush-league, ball-slapping interferrence play. Though personally, for my hating I prefer to hate fans that try to catch balls that are catchable by the outfield. If you want to ruin a game, get in shape and have a great season like Buckner first- don't just shell out 100 bucks to ruin a home run for the home team because you thought it might hop over the wall.

Answer 2

After the 2004 World Series, Buckner, Schiraldi, Mike Torres, and others from 1978 and 1986 were granted poet absolution. Buckner never thought that he needed absolution. And you are right. Up 2 runs in the 12th, a good manager puts in his defensive replacements. Buckner was barely able to walk at that point.

Answer 3

Because Red Sox fans seem to forget that there were two outs, and two strikes on Gary Carter, and the pitching staff proceeded to give up three hits, and throw a wild pitch to tie the game and put the winning run on base before Buckners error. It never should have even gotten to that point.

Answer 4

I still dont get it, because the Red sox still could have won game 7. Also even if Buckner did field the ball, he wouldnt have gotten the out. Moochie Norris hit the ball and he was on of the fastest players in the game. If you actually look at the tape of the game, you'll see that when the ball goes through his legs, Norris is only about 10 ft away from the bag. There's no way a slow player like Buckner is going to beat Norris to the bag.

Answer 5

Absolutely not. Did you hear the reception he got yesterday at Fenway when he threw out the first pitch? He received a 5-7 minute standing ovation. I have not heard the Fens that loud since Game 6 of the 2007 ALCS. He was warmly received. Redsox fans have definitely forgiven Bill Buckner and have embraced him. Buckner even said during an emotional tv interview yesterday that he had to forgive the MEDIA for what he and his family have gone through. He did not blame the city of Boston, the fans, or Redsox fans all over the nation.

Answer 6

To tell u the truth even if he had got the ground ball he would have not got the guy out. The guy was the fastest guy in baseball if u watch a reply of the play right as Buckner is getting to the ball I believe the guys name was Milky was already at first base.

Answer 7

Fred Merkle, Fred Snodgrass, Bill Buckner...all these players were relatively good players who became scapegoats for angry fans.....fans need someone to take thier anger out on, so when a player messes up it's easiest to blame him.....baseball is a tough gig.....you could be a total bum, and yet be remembered as a hero....(see Don Larson and his '56 WS perfect game), ot be a really good player all year and then make one bad play and be a bum (Bill Buckner '86)

Answer 8

i agree,, bill buckner should have been replaced w/ Dave Stapelton. Dave is a much better defensive player and thats the way it had went all season. But Clemons should have stayed in longer and the bullpen just sucked the game. There are more than one reason why the red sox lost.

Answer 9

How would you feel if you went as long as they did without winning a World Series, then see your team in the drivers seat, an out away, and watch it roll between someone's legs? Wasn't hit hard, wasn't a funny bounce. Granted he shouldn't have been on the field but that is not a ball any major leaguer should miss. If you can't bend down to get that ball, you don't belong on the field. Bad coaching and bad playing.

Answer 10

But it was Bucknor who insisted that he could play and insisted on staying in the game. It also wasn't the first time in his career that Bucknor's personal pride got in the way of his team's success. Add that to the curse of the Bambino, and you have what you have.

ANd to richard w, clemons has never been Red Sox player. In fact, from 1975 - 1994, there was no MLB player named Clemons.

For joey, I'm sure you mean Mookie WIlson.