It’s been over decade since Bill Buckner visited Fenway Park. His return marked the vindication of a great player in the town that, I think, knew down deep, that this man was never the real goat of the ‘86 series.
I sat in the RF Box today watching a historical moment, which I will remember forever. I watched it on NESN in ‘04, but nothing compares to seeing it in person.
The weather was absolutely perfect. Barely a cloud in the sky, the sun shined bright with a cool breeze blowing out towards left (perfect).
The dropping of the 2007 flag over the 2004, covering the entire length of the green monster, was amazing to see. But the thing that made it unforgettable was the firm breeze that kept the 2007 flag from fully draping itself over the 2004 flag, which, it was trying to cover. The wind left only the 2004 in clear sight as the fans waited for the flag to drop properly. It left me with just one thing to say. “Wow, we just can’t let go of 2004.”
It finally did fall for the entire world to see, and that’s when I got a text message from my brother Ratty. BUCKNER! Are you kidding me? Buckner was throwing out the first pitch? It was the kind of news that changes the entire way you look at the day. For some reason I was all about this moment. I don’t even remember the play or Buckner’s career. I was like 7, and I hate when people my age say they remember such moments because they flat out DON’T.
Any-who, The moment didn’t disappoint. The man appeared gloriously from behind the 2007 flag and walked his way from the outfield to the pitchers mound. Again, I don’t remember the man, but we are not allowed to forget “the play.” For some reason I felt for the man and screamed with all I had. Prudent or not prudent I am proud to show this man as an example to my kids when I tell them stories about the Sox. Cause a man stands up. Not for the glory, but for himself. The cheers raged through Fenway like it was a Beatles concert. It didn’t stop until Buckner was able to compose himself enough to throw a perfect strike to Dwight Evans at the plate.
So here’s to you Billy Buck, you will always be welcome at the friendly confines. And let me say what is rightfully deserved to you. We are sorry.
(Sox 5, Detroit 0. Dice-K does his thing and opening day 2008 closes as just the 8th game of season, but for me, it was one for all time)
What a tribute to a man that has endured years of ridicule and harassment for a situation he should never had been in. Seems everybody forgets the wild pitch that Stanley “Steamer” threw in the dirt that let the game get away. Heres to you Billy Buck for hanging tougher than most men would have. And heres to Matsusaka, two solid outings in a row. Superb opening day, one for the archives that was extra special.
It is all good fortune that this column was able to be written. Thanks to a name being pulled from a hat and a disppointed sibling watching from his couch in NH. and a great brother-in-law. You can now have this memory etched in your heart forever. I think people who don’t live in Boston really will never understand what they’re missing. Thanks Billy for the tears!!!!!!!!! You are the real hero.
This ‘Buckner has been vindicated’ angle is way overblown. If people were paying attention, they would have known that Buckner came back in 1990 and was cheered loudly when introduced at the home opener. The fans forgave him almost 20 years ago. Further, it was the media that harassed and made life miserable for Buckner.
NEXT YEAR WE CAN FORGIVE BOB STANLEY WHO THREW THE DAMN WILD PITCH THAT BLEW THE FRIGIN’ LEAD TO BEGIN WITH…I LOVE ‘04 AND ‘07…TO HELL WITH THE 80′S