1986 World Series Game 6: The Unbelievable 10th Inning

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Okay, guys, let's dive into one of the most iconic moments in baseball history: the 10th inning of Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. Buckle up, because this is a wild ride filled with twists, turns, and a whole lotta drama!

The Setup: A Championship on the Line

Heading into Game 6, the Boston Red Sox were up 3 games to 2 against the New York Mets. The Red Sox were just one win away from breaking the “Curse of the Bambino,” an 68-year drought since they last won a World Series in 1918. The game was at Shea Stadium in New York, and the atmosphere was electric. Red Sox fans were cautiously optimistic, while Mets fans were praying for a miracle. The tension was palpable, you could cut it with a knife!

Bruce Hurst, who had already won Game 1, was on the mound for the Red Sox, and he was pitching a gem. Through nine innings, he had only allowed one run, and the Red Sox were leading 3-1. It looked like the curse was finally about to be broken. Imagine the excitement, the relief, the sheer joy that Red Sox fans were feeling at that moment. They could almost taste victory. But, as we all know, baseball has a funny way of throwing curveballs – literally and figuratively.

On the other side, the Mets were facing elimination. Their backs were against the wall, and they needed to find a way to spark some magic. The Mets had battled hard all season, and they weren't about to go down without a fight. The Mets fans in the stadium were a mix of nervous and hopeful, clinging to any chance of a comeback. They knew their team was capable of anything, and they were ready to rally behind them.

So, there you have it: The stage was set for an epic 10th inning. Red Sox fans dreaming of a championship, Mets fans praying for a miracle, and the entire baseball world watching with bated breath. What happened next is something that will forever be etched in baseball lore.

The Top of the 10th: Heartbreak for Mets Fans

The top of the 10th began with the Red Sox needing just three outs to secure the World Series title. Dave Henderson stepped up to the plate and did the unthinkable. On a 1-1 count, Henderson launched a go-ahead home run off of Mets closer Rick Aguilera. The stadium went silent. Red Sox fans erupted in cheers, while Mets fans were left in stunned disbelief.

But the Red Sox weren't done yet. After Henderson's home run, the Red Sox added another run when Wade Boggs doubled and Marty Barrett singled, extending their lead to 5-3. It felt like the final nail in the coffin for the Mets. The Red Sox were now just three outs away from winning the World Series, and the atmosphere in Shea Stadium was completely deflated. You could practically hear the collective groan of Mets fans as their hopes and dreams seemed to vanish before their eyes.

For the Red Sox, the top of the 10th was a dream come true. Henderson's home run was an instant classic, and the additional run gave them a seemingly insurmountable lead. They could almost feel the weight of the championship trophy in their hands. The dugout was filled with high-fives and excited chatter, as the Red Sox players and coaches celebrated what they thought was their imminent victory.

However, the game wasn't over yet. As any baseball fan knows, anything can happen in the bottom of the ninth – or, in this case, the bottom of the 10th. The Mets still had a chance, however slim, to mount a comeback and keep their World Series hopes alive. But they would need a miracle to pull it off.

The Bottom of the 10th: The Miracle Unfolds

Now, this is where things get really crazy, guys. With the Red Sox leading 5-3, closer Calvin Schiraldi came in to shut the door and secure the championship. What followed was an improbable sequence of events that Mets fans will never forget.

  • The Beginning of the Comeback: Wally Backman grounded out to second, making it one out. Then, Keith Hernandez singled, giving the Mets a glimmer of hope. After that, Gary Carter singled as well, putting runners on first and second with one out.
  • The Improbable Tie: With the tying run at the plate, Kevin Mitchell was brought in as a pinch hitter. Mitchell singled to center field, scoring Hernandez and cutting the Red Sox lead to 5-4. Then, with runners on first and second, Ray Knight singled to right field, scoring Carter and tying the game at 5-5. Unbelievable!
  • The Wild Pitch: With runners on second and third, and two outs, Mookie Wilson stepped up to the plate. Schiraldi threw a wild pitch, allowing Mitchell to score and putting Knight on third. The Mets now had the winning run just 90 feet away.
  • The Infamous Ground Ball: With the count at 2-2, Wilson hit a slow ground ball to Bill Buckner at first base. Buckner, who had been struggling with his ankles, let the ball go right through his legs! Knight scored from third, and the Mets won the game 6-5. Shea Stadium erupted in pandemonium! The Mets had pulled off the impossible!

The Red Sox, on the other hand, were in utter shock. They had been so close to victory, but it had all slipped away in a matter of minutes. Buckner's error would become one of the most infamous plays in baseball history, and it would haunt the Red Sox and their fans for years to come.

The Aftermath: A Curse Continues, a Dynasty Begins

The Mets' improbable victory in Game 6 was a turning point in the series. They went on to win Game 7, completing their comeback and winning the 1986 World Series. The Mets' victory was a testament to their resilience, their never-say-die attitude, and a little bit of luck. They celebrated their championship with a wild parade through the streets of New York, cementing their place in baseball history.

For the Red Sox, the loss was devastating. The