Bay Area native Bill Buckner, known for World Series error, dead at 69

Buckner played for five teams and won a batting title, but was forever remembered for his error in the 1986 World Series.

Bill Buckner, the Bay Area native who played 22 seasons in the majors, died Monday in Vallejo, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap.

Buckner, 69, suffered from Lewy body dementia.

A Vallejo native who grew up in American Canyon and attended Napa High School, Buckner’s career included five teams, an All Star Game (1981) and a batting championship with the Chicago Cubs (1980).

But he was best known for an error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets. Playing first base for the Red Sox in the 10th inning, Buckner let a two-out ground ball by Mookie Wilson go through his legs, allowing Ray Knight to score and win the game for the Mets. New York went on to win Game 7, extending Boston’s World Series to 68 years. It went another 18 years before the Red Sox won a World Series title.

Buckner died early Monday, according to Schapp, who spoke to Jody Buckner, Bill’s wife.

Longtime player and manager Bobby Valentine, who broke into the majors with Buckner in 1969, said via Twitter: “As I clear my head and hold back the tears, I know I will always remember Billy Buck as a great hitter and a better friend. He deserved better. Thank god for his family. I ll miss u Buck!”