Bill Buckner, pictured in 2008, had more than 2,700 hits, made the Major League Baseball’s all-star game and won the batting title with the Chicago Cubs, but also committed an infamous error for the Boston Red Sox in the 1986 World Series (POOL)

Los Angeles (AFP) – Bill Buckner, who won the 1980 batting title but also became known for a World Series gaffe six years later, died on Monday after battling dementia. He was 69.

Buckner had more than 2,700 hits, made the Major League Baseball’s all-star game and won the batting title with the Chicago Cubs, but he also committed an infamous error for the Boston Red Sox at the 1986 World Series.

Buckner was forever linked to his defensive miscue in the sixth game against the New York Mets. 

Boston, who were gunning for their first World Series title since 1918, were up 3-2 in the series and leading 5-3 in the bottom of the 10th inning. 

After the Mets scored two runs to tie it, a ground ball by Mookie Wilson passed through Buckner’s legs at first base, which allowed the Mets to score the winning run. 

New York went on to take the winner-take-all game seven, and the error became the defining moment of Buckner’s career.

The left-handed batter led the National League in doubles in his all-star season of 1981 (35). He retired after the 1990 season with a .289 lifetime batting average and 174 home runs. 

“Bill Buckner passed away early the morning of May 27th surrounded by his family,” relatives said in a statement. 

“Bill fought with courage and grit as he did all things in life. Our hearts are broken.” 

Disclaimer: Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Source: AFP.