1986 World Series Game 6: A Play-by-Play Recap

Hey baseball fans! Let's dive deep into one of the most iconic games in World Series history: Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. This game, folks, is legendary, a rollercoaster of emotions, and a moment etched in every baseball enthusiast's memory. The Boston Red Sox were on the brink of breaking their decades-long curse, while the New York Mets were fighting tooth and nail to stay alive. Buckle up, because we're going to relive every nail-biting moment, every crucial play, and every heart-stopping twist that made this game an unforgettable classic. We'll break down the key at-bats, the pivotal pitching changes, and the strategic decisions that ultimately led to one of the most dramatic endings in sports history. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just love a good underdog story, this recap will bring you right back to that electric night at Shea Stadium.

The Setup: Red Sox on the Verge

Before we jump into the play-by-play, let's set the stage. The Boston Red Sox, haunted by the "Curse of the Bambino," held a 3-2 series lead. They were just one win away from their first World Series title since 1918. The New York Mets, on the other hand, were facing elimination. Their backs were against the wall, and they needed a miracle to force a Game 7. The pressure was immense, the stakes were sky-high, and the atmosphere at Shea Stadium was absolutely electric. You could feel the tension in the air, the hopes and dreams of two fan bases hanging in the balance. The Red Sox, with their ace Roger Clemens looming for a potential Game 7, felt like they had destiny on their side. But the Mets, a team known for their resilience and never-say-die attitude, weren't ready to go down without a fight. This clash of narratives, the weight of history, and the sheer drama of the moment all contributed to the legendary status of this game. It wasn't just about baseball; it was about hope, despair, and the enduring power of belief. So, let's get ready to witness history unfold, one pitch at a time.

Early Innings: A Pitcher's Duel

The game began as a pitcher's duel between Boston's Roger Clemens (though he wouldn't last long due to a blister) and New York's Bob Ojeda. Both pitchers kept the game scoreless through the early innings, each side managing to get runners on base but failing to capitalize. Clemens, despite battling a blister on his pitching hand, looked strong early on, showcasing the dominance that had earned him the Cy Young Award. Ojeda, a crafty left-hander, kept the Red Sox hitters off balance with his mix of breaking balls and changeups. The tension in the stadium was palpable, with every pitch carrying the weight of the series. The fans were on their feet, roaring with every strikeout and groaning with every base hit. It was a classic example of playoff baseball, where every run is precious and every mistake is magnified. As the innings ticked by, the feeling grew that one swing of the bat could change everything. The pitchers continued to battle, each determined to give their team the upper hand. But as we all know, this game was far from over, and the real drama was yet to come. The early innings were just a prelude to the chaos and excitement that would soon unfold.

Middle Innings: Red Sox Take the Lead

The middle innings saw the Red Sox finally break the stalemate. In the seventh, Marty Barrett singled, and then Bill Buckner drove him in with a single of his own, giving Boston a 1-0 lead. It was a huge moment for the Red Sox, as they finally managed to crack Ojeda's armor. The Boston faithful erupted in cheers, sensing that their long-awaited championship was within reach. But the Mets wouldn't go down quietly. In the bottom of the seventh, they answered with a run of their own, tying the game at 1-1. Keith Hernandez drove in Gary Carter with a clutch hit, reigniting the Shea Stadium crowd. The momentum had shifted, and the game was once again up for grabs. Both teams traded blows like heavyweight fighters, each refusing to back down. The tension was unbearable, as every pitch, every hit, and every fielding play could potentially decide the outcome of the game. As the game moved into the later innings, the pressure continued to mount, and the stakes became even higher. It was a true test of nerves, skill, and determination, as both teams battled for every inch. And as we all know, the best was yet to come.

Late Innings: A Back-and-Forth Affair

The late innings were a rollercoaster of emotions. In the top of the eighth, the Red Sox regained the lead when Dave Henderson blasted a home run off Mets reliever Rick Aguilera, making it 2-1. Then, after an error and another hit, the Red Sox extended their lead to 3-1. It looked like the Red Sox were finally going to seal the deal. But the Mets, true to their resilient nature, refused to quit. In the bottom of the eighth, they rallied again, scoring two runs to tie the game at 3-3. Gary Carter singled, and Darryl Strawberry followed with a double, putting runners on second and third with no outs. After a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch, the game was all square. The Shea Stadium crowd was in a frenzy, chanting and cheering as their team fought back from the brink of defeat. The momentum had swung back in the Mets' favor, and the Red Sox were reeling. The pressure was immense, and every player on the field felt the weight of the moment. It was a true test of character, as both teams battled for every inch. And as the game moved into extra innings, the tension reached a fever pitch.

The 10th Inning: Heartbreak and Triumph

The 10th inning is where this game truly became legendary. In the top of the inning, the Red Sox scored two more runs, taking a 5-3 lead. Dave Henderson drove in another run with a sacrifice fly, and then Wade Boggs scored on a wild pitch. It seemed like the Red Sox had finally put the game away. They were just three outs away from their first World Series title in 68 years. But as we all know, this game was far from over. In the bottom of the 10th, the Mets mounted one final, improbable rally. With two outs and nobody on base, Gary Carter singled. Then, Kevin Mitchell singled, putting runners on first and second. Ray Knight followed with a single of his own, scoring Carter and cutting the Red Sox lead to 5-4. With runners on first and second and two outs, Mookie Wilson stepped to the plate. What happened next is etched in baseball history.

The Infamous Play: Buckner's Error

With the count at 2-2, Mookie Wilson hit a slow roller towards first base. Bill Buckner, the Red Sox first baseman, charged towards the ball, but it trickled through his legs, allowing Ray Knight to score the winning run. The Mets had won the game in improbable fashion, sending the Shea Stadium crowd into a state of pandemonium. Buckner's error became an instant symbol of the Red Sox's curse, a moment that would haunt the team and its fans for years to come. But it was also a moment of triumph for the Mets, a testament to their resilience and never-say-die attitude. The game was a microcosm of the entire series, a back-and-forth battle that showcased the drama and excitement of baseball at its finest. And while Buckner's error is the moment that everyone remembers, it's important to remember that it was just one play in a game filled with countless twists and turns. The 1986 World Series Game 6 will forever be remembered as one of the greatest games in baseball history, a classic example of the sport's ability to surprise and captivate. The Mets went on to win Game 7, completing their improbable comeback and cementing their place in baseball lore.

The Aftermath: A Curse Continues (For a While)

The aftermath of Game 6 was filled with contrasting emotions. For the Mets, it was a moment of pure jubilation, a celebration of their improbable victory. They went on to win Game 7 and capture the World Series title, cementing their place in baseball history. For the Red Sox, however, it was a moment of heartbreak and despair. Buckner's error became a symbol of their long-suffering franchise, a reminder of the curse that had haunted them for decades. The loss was devastating for the players, the fans, and the entire city of Boston. But as time passed, the Red Sox were finally able to exorcise their demons. In 2004, they broke the curse and won their first World Series title in 86 years, finally putting an end to the suffering. While the 1986 World Series Game 6 will always be remembered for Buckner's error, it's important to remember that it was just one chapter in the long and storied history of both the Red Sox and the Mets. Both teams have experienced their share of triumphs and tribulations, and their rivalry continues to be one of the most compelling in baseball.